Hip replacement and age

dreamdaisy · 18. Jan 2011, 02:35

It's the normal response and I think it's to do with money. I think hips have a life expectancy of about 15 years, so if he is only 30 he could technically be due another 3 or even 4 replacements, which costs the NHS. Perhaps new joints now last longer, but even so to be disqualified due to youth is harsh - but it happens. It's a common complaint on here, too. DD

nearlybionic · 18. Jan 2011, 04:42

Hi Delboy
I was put on the pre op list for my THR at 39, and had my op 2 months after my 40th birthday. And have seen younger people on here and in `real` life who have had THR`s. Age wasn`t mentioned to me as a reason not to have mine, although I know it is for some others. As you say your friend is in his late 30`s maybe, if his pain is bad and mobility reduced, he should ask for a 2nd opinion. Although I agree with reasons DD has talked about as to why THR`s are sometimes not advised , I also think it is a pity to deny a younger person a better standard of living if possible.
I hope he gets a positive outcome.
NB

daylily · 18. Jan 2011, 04:43

Hi Del,
Get your mate to send x-rays/MRI's to a Professor Richardson at Oswestry hospital. I'm on holiday so haven't got the address handy.
He looks at all x-rays (might have to go through his Doc).
The professor is THE top man for hips.
It's cruel leaving your mate to suffer- a case of another armed forces man being let down.
Hope your mate finds something- I'm sure you know the drill- push and push until someone does something.
Take care (and your mate)

daylily · 18. Jan 2011, 05:50

Hi Del,
I contacted re my failed hip re-surface and they just said it would be fine if I went through my Doctor.
The proffessor has his own website with e-mail address, it's worth contacting them.
Would stress the armed service record as ex-soldiers should be seen, they have done enough for the country.
I think it makes it quicker if your friend has had recent x-rays at his regular hospital.
Hospital called St Agnes something or other.( brain dead today!!)
Let us know how he gets on Del.
PS I too live in North Wales

frogmorton · 18. Jan 2011, 07:09

Good luck for your mate Del

we have ops done from here in Staffs to oswestry - they are brilliant there.

Hey and do let us know how he gets on will you?

LOve

toni xx

dorcas · 18. Jan 2011, 12:10

Hi Del,

I haven't any experience of hip ops, age restrictions or waiting times...... I just wanted to say I hope your friend gets the help he so badly needs. Decisions should be needs led not money led! and he's already served his country well and shouldn't be denied treatment.

Maybe he should ask for a second opinion?

please let us know how he gets on.....

Iris xx

barbara12 · 18. Jan 2011, 13:45

Hi Del
All consultants are different, my first one was lovely, and his look on things was whatever your age, its better to have it done before you lose your quality of life, my brother was 38 when he had his first one.
I do wish your friend well, and really hope he gets a good consultant.
Barbara x

daylily · 19. Jan 2011, 04:33

Hi Del
Just found that info about the Proffessor in my diary(thought it was at home)
Hospital website www.rjah.nhs.uk
Proffessor's website www.outcomecentre.com
Hospital phone 01691400000
It's Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt
Orthopaedic Hospital
Gobowen
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY10 7AG

Take care Del and your mate

Airwave! · 19. Jan 2011, 05:11

I think there may well be a question about how many times the hip replacement can be carried out, not due to financial restraints. It may well be to do with the way the top of the femur is prepared for the new joint or the cement used.

Anyrate, it'll give you something to research, there are a few more choices these days, resurfacing, scrapes etc etc.

8) Its a grin, honest!

miss_l · 19. Jan 2011, 12:37

Hi,

I have a fantistic surgeon and had my hip replaced aged 27.
We are aware it is ery young but at that point i was unable to walk as my hip had completely collapsed. The replacement hasnt been without it's problems but my quality of life is so much better now

I hope your friend finds a surgeon that understands the qulaity of life issue.

speedalong · 19. Jan 2011, 17:20

Hi Del,

depends on ortho - I had my first THR at age 30. They tried physio, hydro, pain meds etc but nothing worked and so I was given the op.

They don't like to do them too young as they don't last as long in active young people - but materials are improving all the time and titanium has a very long life. (though of course the bone can wear out where it is bonded to the replacement and then it becomes loose.)

Your mate needs a second opinion. He should do his homework first and find out which orthos are interested in younger patients.

Speedy

chris7 · 19. Jan 2011, 18:00

Hi Del

Lots of good advise here and I am not yet qualified to answer but as I understand it and setting costs aside I think they do try to delay THR simply because as said here later revisions if and when needed get harder each time because of bone loss.

But things are progressing and if your mate needs it now then quality of life has to be the priority. I have posted this link before which is a relatively new procedure my Consultant does. ( and may have me in mind for although I am 50! :shock: ) Of course it has no long term studies to back it up yet! As I understand it and to over simplify, the main advantage of this one is that it does make any later revisions needed alot easier. It may be of interest. Googling 'silent hip' gives you more info is you think it may help your mate?

http://web.me.com/jonconroy/silenthip/Welcome.html

Chris

Hip replacement and age

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