How do I know which surgeon is best?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I've seen two surgeons now, both of whom agree that a THR is needed asap. First in my right then my lfet. It's not a surprise, but good to know in some way that they agree on the right course of action. I'm very lucy to have medical insurance which means I can choose which surgeon to have, both have slots next month which is good / terrifying - but now I'm totally confused as to which one to use? How do I know I'm picking the right one, I've read so many terrible things that have gone wrong for people on here I'm worried I'll pick the wrong one and then blame myself. 

It's so hard to know what's the right decision, my heads all over the place. The two surgeons are Marcus Bankes and Prof Haddad - has anyone one here had surgery by them? Looking at their stats PH seems to do more THR's each year (almost double that of MB) and has a great reputation but MB has a really nice rapour and made me feel comfortable even after just one meeting. I'm so confused! x

2

If you go on google and put in Dr banked name there is loads of stuff on him even stuff on you tube that bits that have been on tv that he has done so seems he is very respected x not looked about other surgeon

3

Dr bankes that shud av said

4

Just make sure the surgeon you choose is the one who actually performs the op.

With the NHS the wording is always "under the care of" Mr whoever.

Meaning they don't guarantee the surgeon you see performs the op,although it's probable they will be there for guidance..

Not sure if this is standard practice or not ??

5

Well well, I was just about to write up something on the forum, which was going to be, 'of the people that I've heard from in the forum who have had Marcus Bankes recently for their surgeon, how are they doing post op?'

I have not heard of the other surgeon, but may Google him now. One thing I do know about MB is that he only does the posterior approach. Feel free to write to me privately of your opinion of other surgeon.

Veronica London

6

Thank you Georgina - I think they both have good write ups online, but then who doesn't these days....so hard to know for sure, will be interesting to see if anyone on here has been operated by either of them. Thanks for responding x

7

Thanks Paulus, I think you're right and that on the NHS some surgeons don't actully do the proceedure, they let their team do it. Definitely somethig to remember - thanks 

8

Ha - snap! WIll be interesting to see if anyone on here has been operated on him or Prof Haddad - there's loads online about both of them so defininitely worth a look if you're considering either. Looks as if PH has done alot of sports people etc. I didn't know that MB only does posterior though, thanks for sharing - though to be honest I'm not really sure of the pro's / cons of either approach so no idea which would be best x

9

I don't know either surgeon, but I do know that my surgeon doesn't exactly have a great bedside manner.  That said, he has a great reputation locally and has now done two very good, trouble free hip replacements (left and right) for me.  Does bed side manner matter for a surgeon?  I would suggest not smile.

10

I know it's so hard. I had two opinions. And I Google them to see what people had to say. And I choose  The one that had the most positive. And he was good, but as far as having questions afterwords he would return my calls. I guess doctors don't do that anymore. So, I continued to call and find me he said, of course, make an appointment. I would be upset when I go in on February 3, if they hadn't said they'll take an x-ray. But it seems you can't talk to the doctor and less you make an appointment.😁

11

I'm obviously no expert,but from the bit of research I've done UK surgeons seem to use the posterior approach..

My surgeon argued it is a tried and tested method,with less risks involved.

But recovery is slower and there's a greater risk of dislocation than with the anterior approach which is commonly used in the US ,but carries more risk of nerve damage Apparentely..

Your right Barhi bedside manner isn't that important,being a competent surgeon would be my main priority..but both would be nice.biggrin

12

Hi Zomerset,  So happy to hear you had two doctors aprroval thats great I would go with your gut feeling who had better bedside manner compassion thats who i would choose . after my first hip replacement i never felt better good luck to

Thanks let us know how your doing

Jackie

13

Hi Z, had my left hip replaced by Marcus and his team last Monday. I can't recommend him enough, he specialises in replacements for young people which is why I went with him. He was also recommend to me by two separate private physios.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Jennifer, uk

14

Barhi, Well thats very good for you having great out come with your replacements. And yes bed side manner does matter which means the doctor really cares about you , and your well being . I had revision last year and now have nerve damage scaitic nerve damage lost my job too. My first hip replacement was great never felt bettter . My doctor should of known I had chronic imflamation.

Jackie 

15

Hello Jennifer,

So happy all went well for you with marcus, I finally went to see him and really liked him, I have decided to go with him, but he has told me its not time for me yet, please let me know how your recovery goes and whether you had posterior or anterior. Good luck.

Veronica

16

Hi Veronica,

he used posterior, always does. However, Guy's do not impose the 90 degree rule strictly. Rather they say 'if it hurts don't do it'. Given the skill of the surgeon and the modern joints the risk of dislocation is so small it's not worth worrying about. The physio told me that once the joint is fitted the surgeon takes the leg through the full range of motion to ensure it doesn't dislocate.

I've been recovering well. Was discharged after two nights and am now happily pottering round at home (inc up and down stairs). I'm still on crutches but managed to walk to the loo unaided last night when I was lost in thought! If the hip had been my only problem I'd consider myself quite far down the road to recovery and it's only 7 days since the opp.

I honestly can't recommend him and his team highly enough. Just looking forward to getting my other one done so that I can really start enjoying my new lease of life.

Jennifer, uk

17

Your surgeons views on joint movement post op are very interesting and unusual.

As you say they work your new joint through every movement during the operation, so it does seem logical that unless you did something really stupid dislocation is very unlikely..and some of the physio exercises do seem to stretch the new joint through quite a range of motion.

However I won't be taking any unecessary risks,and do what I'm advised,the thought of having to have my new joint relocated dictates it.

 

18

Hi Paulus,

Absolutely agree. The key is being sensible and listening to your body. I'm certainly being careful but am keen to be as active as I can.

All the best with your new joint.

Jennifer, uk

19

Hi Jennifer

So happy to hear you've had your op and everything went so well! Can I ask what made you decide on MB, did you see any others? The more I hear the more I'm leaning towards him, even tho the stats say PH does more replacements a year etc - MB seems to be very good also and I like that people in hear, like you, recommend him. Always reassuring to have someone personally recommend someone - thank you x

20

Thanks Jackie, great to hear that you've had yours and it's made such a difference! Hopefully it'll be the same with me, can't wait to get my life back and walk / sleep without pain. How long ago was yours and have you had both done? x