Second hip replacement within a year

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi I had my first hip replacement in December and have made a good recovery. However, I'm.slightly concerned as my surgeon had to cement the joint as the socket was so small. I'm only 51 and have now been told that my left hip is as bad (it's very painful and my mobility is limited) I'm worried about having two replaced so near to each other and also that they will be cemented which I've heard bad reports about. Has anyone else had cemented joints and have you had any problems

Thank you

2

Hi Sharon I had my second hip replacement 12 months after the first . I found the second replacement easier as I knew what to expect and the recovery time was quicker too. The pain I had prior to the op was gone instantly and both mine are cemented with no problems 

3

The femur portion of my RTHR is cemented. Oct. of 2017. I’m running on it. No problems. 

4

Hi sharon,

I believe cementing is normal, mine was cemented. I have read people saying they feel more uncomfortable with uncemented hips, they feel like they are sitting on a ball. As for having another hip done, loads of people have them done close together, some both at the same time.

5

Some brave people have their hips done at the same time even. I think the advantage of having a cemented hip is that you don't have to wait for the new bone to form to fix it in place. I think cemented may be a bit more difficult if a revision is needed but that is the surgeon's problem not yours. I believe that currently slightly more cemented hips are done than uncemented, but the outcome of both is pretty much the same. 

6

I too have had both hips replaced, 13 months apart, both cemented.

My uncle Bill in his 80's had his hips replaced 6 weeks apart, I just cannot imagine how he managed so close together, but he was like a pig in mud, soooo happy, and told me to my face when he saw me walking with difficulty, his instructions was get hips done sooner, than leaving for years as the pain will shorten your life.

Funny thing he lived to 97, has only passed in the last couple of years.

7

Thank you

8

Thanks that's reassuring

9

Thank you I thought it was the other way round as in more cemented but it seems.from this thread I am mistaken.

Thanks

10

That is definately very reassuring mamy thanks

11

Hi Sharon ,

I hope you don’t mind me asking but did your surgeon decide to cement your hip before or during the operation?

My bone was also too small for the pin that was used for my new hip resulting in the surgeon leaving it proud. This has left me with a leg over an inch longer than it should be and with 10 months of pain so far as the muscles tendons etc as now so stretched.

When I asked him why he didn’t use a smaller pin he said it would have been to small and wobbled . 

I asked why he couldn’t have cemented it and his answer was that he couldn’t change procedures half way through the operation. 

I so wish it had been cemented.

12

Hi Pam that's interesting as I am led to believe he decided during the operation. He said my hip sockets were too small and badly damaged so he had to cement he usually only does this in older patients. I guess one lucky then if you have had so many problems? I am fine at the moment but worried in case they are not as.good long term particularly of having second done. That was really helpful thank you

13

Hi Sharon,

I am 61 and had my hip cemented because that is the surgeon's preferred method. I have read some people's accounts of having an uncemented hip, they have said when sitting they feel like they are sitting on a ball. Being new to all this back in january I just assumed cementing was normal.

14

Dear Sharon

I always felt that a cemented stem was less long term than an uncemented one but several months ago I revisited this and having read a few research papers have come to the conclusion that there is not a lot of difference in long term outcomes. Personally I would prefer the non cemented partially as I think that the surgeon has to do a better job of reaming the bone for a good solid fit.

Hope that helps. Cheers Richard

15

I understand it is more cemented too, although they may be be getting closer together. 

16

Hi sharon. I had my hip replaced just over a year ago at 55. I had a childhood problem initially and my surgeon gave me a hybrid joint. The stem cemented and the socket nin cemented. He said my bone lining was thin due to old pins i had as child, and wouldnt be suitable to grow new bone. I trusted his opinion. And it has been life changing surgery. Continued to improve over the year as he said it would. and I feel a new woman. It was quite a slow recovery due to legs now being same length and original hip joint not being round to start with, it was oval, so quite a lot if changes. Back is fantastic. I read on this forum that cementing was only for younger patiens and had concerns too. But my brilliant surgeon reasured me all sorts of factors come unto play and non cementing was not right for me and a good outcome. I wish you all the best and like me a fantastic outcome.

17

Hello Osprey

Glad that everything is going well for you. A correction, cemented stems were more usually used in older patients.

Cheers Richard

18

Hello Richard

Oops yes typed it wrong way round. I hope your ankle is doing well? Cheers.