I had bilateral hip resurfacing 11yrs ago. I was 45 , single mum with 2 young kids. Op and recovery went well. My surgeon moved to a different hospital in the North of England. I was never called in for a check and didn’t think to ask for one - I was enjoying a new lease of life. Just over 1 yr ago I got a letter from the NHS to go for a check up. I had an xray and blood test and was told I’d be called in the following yr for another check.
2 weeks ago, I attended my checkup appointment. The xray showed something and I was booked in for an MRI and CT scan which showed severe bone loss around both implants. I have to have 2 full hip replacements asap, 1 at a time though as I need bone grafts on both
Having done a bit of research it seems that back in 2012 the MHRA (regulatory agency) recommended annual checks for the life of the implant. I’m feeling that there’s a case of negligence here? - looking at my MRI pictures I’m surprised my pelvis hasn’t collapsed - such severe bone loss.
Any comments or similar experiences greatly appreciated.
Ruth S
Hi Ruth,
Was your implant metal/metal or ceramic/metal. The metal on metal I read about the problems with those but not ceramic.
I read implant in your post but have just noticed you had resurfacing not a full implant, that is different I expect than a full THR but you can enlighten me.
Hi Jen, yes hip resurfacing doesn’t remove any bone. It’s shaped like a mushroom (titanium) that fits onto the top of the femur and moves against a titanium cup in the pelvis. I’m miffed because I wasn’t called for a check up until just over a year ago - and nothing was picked up. This bone degeneration couldn’t have happened between then and now.
hi, I had my right hip resurfaced 11 years ago. I had a letter a couple of years ago about being monitored. I’ve had blood a test two years running to check for metal in the body was under the impression thats what the worry was about. I had a follow up appointment today regarding my hip replacement on my left hip and was told i wouldn’t need a blood test to check the metal in my body even though it should be yearly. I never know what to think, a Doctor tells you one thing and another Doctor says something different!
Hi Jodie,
Thanks for getting in touch. Yes I think the blood test is always necessary - surprised you bypassed that this time…
There’s a condition called Osteolysis which is common with metal hip resurfacing. It basically means that the bone around the metal implant recedes (a bit like gums around teeth). This can cause problems, and doesn’t necessarily show up on xray - MRI/CT scans show it up more clearly.
In my original post I believed I had Osteolysis and was told I needed both hips redoing. I went for my appointment today to discuss the operation and thankfully my Consultant had found my xrays from 11yrs ago and saw that the bone loss was actually showing up in my 11yr old scan images too. So basically it seems that my area of bone loss is not degenerative but may be a defect from birth. So he explained that there’s no bone degeneration in 11yrs and I don’t have to go for the operations - great news for me. But suggests that my hips/pelvis may have the area of bone void from birth… who knows.
If you have any concerns I suggest you definately get blood tests done and also ask for MRI/CT scans. If there’s anything of concern it will show up …All the Best, Ruth
Really pleased for you Ruth.
Thanks Jen 