We have just been told, months after being referred with severe pain, the my daughters hip replacement has failed. She had it done 18 months ago, she is an unusual case as she was only 16 when she had it done. She has other medical problems caused by her receiving a brain injury at birth which caused her to suffer with hip dysplasia. She has had countless surgeries on her hip and pelvis just to get her through until she could have the replacement. She really believed, as her consultant had told her that the hip replacement would make her life so much easier and would be her last surgery for years. Feel so sad for her and just don't know what to do. We're waiting to hear from the hospital as they need to rule out infection by doing a hip aspiration but the consultant is 99% sure there's not infection and the replacements failed because of her weak thin bones. Her case is going to be discussed at the regional hip meeting to decide the way forward but the consultant is very unsure if anything will work and even talked about maybe removing and having no workable joint.
She's in so much pain and understandably very upset, as we all are.
Sorry for such a negative post but just wondering if anyone had an experiences similar. Thanks Vicki
Dear Vicky
How absolutely awful for your daughter and for you. My only suggestion would be so spend time in finding a surgeon with huge experience in carrying out hip replacement revisions and if you are unsure seek another one and another one. It's essential to get it as right as possible this time around.
Cheers Richard
No experience with this, Vicki, but I just wanted to extend my sympathies to you and your daughter. Sounds like she has been suffering all of her life! I agree with RichardKen that you should get an opinion from an excellent hip revision specialist. Certainly if her bones are weak and thin, that would make it much more difficult for a successful surgery, and that is something they must have taken into consideration pre-op. I hope so, anyway!
I am so sorry, for both of you. This is so much of a "devil you do, devil you don't" situation as they (and she) had no options really. But it isn't over yet. I would definitely be fighting to have her seen by whoever is the best in the country - or the world- and wouldn't rest until that has happened.
The idea of having no joint for several weeks is something a few of us faced - it was certainly something that could have happened in mine, and I was warned about it. But I think everyone has been told it would be temporary. I was told that, as they might have had infection in my hip due to osteonecrosis. There wasn't, thank goodness. And I do recall someone posting that it had happened to them several weeks ago - anyone else recall that thread?
But surely there must be something they can do to strengthen the bone or reinforce it? And if they haven't worked out how to do that yet, then they need to! You have to believe - and fight - because we can do so many things today that only fifty years ago would have been science fiction. Tomorrow can always bring something new.
Hi Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. Where do you live? I'm facing more revision surgery too. On Tuesday the collection of fluid and tissue around the hip is to be aspirated to rule out infection, then in a couple of weeks I'll have my 4th revision, 9th surgery. Mine has been caused by poor surgeons doing it wrong 3 times! I to have been warned of being left without a hip permanently, which at 64 is shocking. I cannot imagine what your going through with your daughter. If your near or can travel to London, at the Royal National Orthopeadic hospital have a multi disciplinary group who meet to discuss challenging cases from around the world, headed by Prof Alister Hart. I have now been referred to Mr Plilip Mitchell at St Georges hospital who has a similar approach. They seem to refer back and forth between them. I hope this may be helpful to you. I truely wish I saw the right person the first time. Sending you both lots of good wishes and hugs. Patsy X
Good luck to you Patsy! 4th revision, 9th surgery, no one should have to go through all of that.
Wishing you all the best Patsy.
dear vicky,
my heart goes out to you and your daughter -
I wish I had the right words to comfort you
Don't give up hope .... sending you healing rays and prayers
big warm hug
renee
Can I suggest getting a referral to a very experienced hip surgeon who is used to difficult cases. If you can afford it, I would suggest seeing Sarah Muirhead Allwood at the London Hip Unit (she is now private only unfortunately). She is probably one of the best hip surgeons in Europe. I think that you could trust whatever she tells you.
Hi Vicki,
So sorry to hear what your daughter is going through. I sincerely hope that the specialists find the right answer to correct what is going on.
Best wishes for you both!
Vicki I have no experience on this to offer you. I'll keep your daughter and you in my prayers that a solution can be found and that she will get better. So young to go through so much. And for you I can imagine your own pain to see your daughter having to go through this. Please come back and let us know how y'all are doing. We are here to offer support. God's blessings to you both. Hugs 🤗 LD
Dear Vicki, i feel so sorry for you and your daughter. I have no experience or advice to offer, except as others have said, seek a second opinion if necessary. Sending good wishes, Judith
Many thanks for all your kind words and thoughts they mean a lot.
No news as yet unfortunately.