Hi. Thank you for taking time to read my post. My first time posting in any forum. Hopefully I'll be able to assist others by sharing some of what I learned.
A not so quick history:
Surgery to correct a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis age 14.
Surgery to remove the 4 pins unsuccessful. Discharged and femur breaks within a month- traction 3 months then body cast 3 months.
Fast Forward 30 years (2008) and have THR as joint severely degenerated. All good.
2013- increasing pain. Stem loosening.
2014- Revision surgery- Wound up in ICU for 5 days due to massive blood loss from cortical perforation while Dr. tried to implant longer stem. Short uncemented stem used.
2016- a year or so I have increasing pain, motion loss, etc. ... you know.
Hire new Dr.- stem loosening again from cement that should have been removed.
2017- Revision #2- Osteotomy used- cement removed, 185mm modular stem implanted and Cerclage wires securing femur. 3 months complete bed rest, p/t begins and feeling pretty good. Last month pain increases, Dr says the Cerclage Wire has started to erode, but the femur bone union looks good. Dr. stops all P/T and I must use cane at all times for next year at minimum so to walk without limping. If I limp I am to stop and rest. Also no lifting more that 10 lbs and the return of basic hip precautions. Re-valuate every 3 months as it is now a race between the femur bonding or the wire breaking. In any case the wire will have to be removed at some point.
Hoping someone might have info on Cerclage Wire removal surgery (searched the net and not much -Dr. says we'll cross that bridge ...)
I'm in NYC and first doctor is Chief of OS at top 5 hospital, current doctor at #1 hospital in US/NYC. Starting to think it's me. ☺
Thanks again.