I had the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing done to both of my hips. It is a procedure that does not involve the cutting off of the thigh bone. If there is a need for a revision needed, they can then do a THR, but the resurfacing is shown to last 30 – 40 years. First one (right) in 2007 at the age of 47 and the second (because I screwed it up compensating for the other side) in 2009. Best thing I have ever done. I had put off surgery for as long as I could take it because of my age. Luckily the resurfacing was approved here in the states just before I had a traditional hip replacement. The recovery was slower for the first than the second because I had the arthritis much longer in that one and the muscles had atrophied much worst. Even at that total recovery was only about 6 months. I was playing racquetball at 6 months (very lightly) and full speed at 1 year. The second one I did not even go through physical therapy because I did not wait as long to have the procedure. I would look into the Birmingham if it is available to you. It is a metal on metal, but I have had no issues at all. I horseback ride, have skydived, and played racquetball with it with no issues. I won't waterski or snow ski anymore. Not because I don't think I could, but because there is a chance of falling and you never know what way your legs will be pulled. Not worth the risk. Hope this helps and I hope your surgery is as successful as mine was as this was almost like a rebirth in a way. I wish you all the best. If you have any other questions I would be glad to answer them.
If you have the opportunity to get a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing I would look into it before THR. I was 47 and had both hips done with the resurfacing. Not problems what so ever and I am doing things I coudn't with a THR.
Hi Simon I had a condition called slipped upper femoral epiphysis when I was younger, I had to have both hips pinned hip replacements were always going to be n the cards more when than if.
I was offered my replacements 5 years ago but I put them off kept upping pain killers and trying to keep going. By doing this I now have dodgy knees that will need some form of surgery chronic back pain. I also have issues with my hands and elbows. I now have to get hands and elbows sorted before I can get my other hip done so another 8 months of strong painkillers. I wish I had got them done sonner rather than waiting and trying to put them off. Technology is moving quickly I'm hoping in 15 years time they will have a better method and easier way of replacing the replacements. Just think of the damage it will cause to other joints by putting off the something that will have to be done at some point.
Just found this discussion, it has really put my mind at ease, I come from a football/Running background, I'm 50 and started to get left hip pain a couple of years back, physio treated me for groin strain, after 3 months physio I went for an MRI and was told the bad news I had osteoarthritis.
Got a quick appointment January this year to see my consultant, because I don't have health insurance I'll be waiting approx a year, I'm living in Ireland, I would love to get back to some light jogging on the grass some time, hip is starting to get a bit worse pain wise, no pain killers yet, like most others I get back and knee soreness, the good thing is I can get out and do some cycling which I hope will help my recovery..best of luck to those who are due surgery soon...
Do it, before you spend months in pain, wish I had. 44, 6 weeks in ans any problems I'm having are caused by waiting - good luck. I'm so glad I had it done x
Hi Simon i was told at 48 that i needed a new hip but decided to prolong it for as long as possible.Kept going for 3 years but in the end was in so much pain my quality of life really dire.I had my right THR 8 weeks ago and was the best decision i have made i cant believe i put it off for so long.No pain now, off all pain killers and walking without crutches.I look forward to getting up in the morning now though still stiff at times and living my life again.Good luck
I am 37 and was told I needed 2 full ceramic hip replacements 2 years ago
I was told the same to battle on for as long as possible- I am very active and play a highish standard of football.
As time has progressed the pain is now unbearable so I decided after looking at many forums enough is enough
I've done my homework and booked in with surgeon who has completed 300 ops in 1 year
My consultation is in 2 weeks time!
During the last 2 years I have managed it well by eating the right foods and taking supplements using Healthspan website as they are cheap and have experts you can talk to
After my op and full recovery I fully expect to run and play football again (maybe not as much with footy)
I have spoke with people all over the world who are back playing contact sports again with ceramic replacements- as mentioned loads of times it's down to you but defo do your home work and choose your surgeon wisely !!!
I am 17 years old and just had a hip replacement 7 weeks ago. I am so happy i did it! When I visited with my doctor they did say to stay way from sports such as basketball, football or any other hard sports. Many people who have a hip replacement that go back and play football end up coming back within a year needing a complete new hip. If you take care of the hip the only part that gets replaced in 20-25 years is the plastic liner that is acting as cartilage.
I was told not to have the surgery until I absolutely needed it. If you aren't in pain everyday to where you can't handle it then you might want to wait. They do I courage you to get back to normal activity right away. After about 6 weeks is when you can slowly start getting back into the gym. I hope this helped!
I had THP 18 months ago when I was aged 39. Like you the pain was unbearable in the end, but I had been advised to wait as long as possible because of my age.
Since the op ( ceramic ), I have 1 leg 2.5 cm longer than the other, so have to wear a heel raiser in my shoes, but this is a small price to pay for the quality if life.
It took me a full 12 months to recover correctly, but now no more back pain or knee difficulties. I go to the gym twice a week, have just started Park Run, and am registered for the Brighton Marathon !
I know I will probably need another op in 20 years, but the fun and quality of life until then is definitely worth it.
Simon you say you have no pain in the hip right now. The compensation will still happen immediately after the operation on both the knee and back anyway. Did they tell you once one hip has been done, its likely you will need the other one done, or would this just be the one hip? You are very young to have a hip replacement. I thought a repeat operation was around 15-20 years later? Mind you these days it is probably much longer in which case go ahead and have the Op. Keyhole is not the only way of replacement. It is recognized that virtually all hip replacements are 100% successful, not so with knees. Having the operation at 43 would mean you could play football until almost 60 years of age! That's about the time all footballers should be ready to hang up their boots anyway. Ask yourself how you would feel if you did not want to play football again. It really ought not be a priority!
Just an update guys, had operation on Friday the 13th. All well and now out after 3 nights in hospital. Walking well now with sticks after day 6. Still on numerous painkillers and other anticoagulant injections.
Getting tingling sensation in left arm that I'm putting down to some nerve damage.
I get a burning pain in my right heal at night which can be relieved by foot exercises.
Sometimes I get like a sparkling pain in my operated leg that lasts for seconds.
Would love to hear from anyone who has had any of these symptoms or others immediately after THR surgery.
I had mine done two weeks ago am bumbling round the house with one crutch still sore but all good I get terrible pain in my heels at night to get round it I have two pillows under my knees an one under my heels can't wait to sleep on my side so glad your surviving xxx
i am in a similar situation, I'm 35 and have an impingement and now arthritis in my right hip. Consultant advised THR is inevitable but to think on the timing. I'm still active with martial arts, skiing and the likes but pay for it after!!!! I struggle with simple things like tieing my lace on that leg though and perversely the sorest part of my day is lying in bed!!! I am on constant anti-inflams and pain relief. What has your experience been so far? Have you made your decision and if so how has it worked out?
Have you tried other conventional methods I.e. physical therapy, cortisone injections, celebre? Hip replacement is usually the final resort when everything else no longer works. I did that for years before everything stopped working and surgery was the only way.
Thanks for your reply. Due to the nature of my impingement there are no physio techniques that can help my flexibility. The consultant was 50/50 on wether he would do the op now or wait as long as possible. That was 2 years ago and it's now at the stage that even with pain relief I barely sleep and my mobility is decreasing. I'm a fairly active person with 3 young kids and at the moment kicking a ball is pretty painful. I'm trying to balance the risks of surgery with quality of life right now!!!!