Upcoming THR for both hips. Would 100 miles per week on a bike wear my hips out pre

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I will be nearly 69 when I get the first of my new ceramic and plastic hips uncemented, not sure if from the front, rear or anterior. I had been out with a cycle group doing two 80km rides a week but had to stop a year ago due to groin pain and increasing pain at nights due to wear and tear. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hips since the age of 39 and have managed to nurse it along until now. Anyway my question is will I be able to go back to long rides or will I wear out the plastic liner prematurely.

Common sense tells me that it would probably wear the joint out and I could be quite happy just going for 20 km rides at a leisurely pace. My consultant said he would get me on a bike again but his idea of cycling maybe different than mine. I will ask my consultant after the op if long distance cycling would be feasable but just wondered what people who have had replacements think would be the wear rates at higher cycling milages.

Thanks for reading and I hope to contribute more once Ive had my first hip done.

2

I am 6 days post op from getting a RTHR and feel great! I too am an avid cyclist and prior to surgery asked about returning to longer rides. My doctor said no problem and I have a bike trip planned for February. By the way, I’m 65 and had the same uncemented hip you’re getting. Good luck!

3

Interesting question, I would guess it would be OK eventually as when cycling the hip is not directly bearing your weight.   Best to ask though, then please do post the reply here so we all learn.

Best wishes

Graham

4

I’m a 67 year old woman. Not a cyclist, but an avid walker and Yoga enthusiast. I’m 3 weeks post op now with a ceramic hip, and have now managed to get rid of my crutches and am slowly building up my distances. I’d be interested to see how you get on with your cycling as I’m thinking of getting my bike out again soon as a less wearing option for my new hip.

5

Hello

I have bilateral THR, posterior, uncemented, titanium and ceramic, the first in 2015, the second in 2016.

This year have just passed the 5000 km mark on my bicycle including two century rides.

So far no problems.

Nick

 

6

Hi I don’t cycle long distances , but I do whizz along on my bike  to work and it’s very comfy compared with pre op!

7

Biking, walking and swimming are good. Doubt you would wear it out. Now the knees....

8

If you're in good shape and sounds like with all the cycling you may well be, you might want to talk to your consultant about bilateral surgery.  I'm 68 years; 9 days post op from BTHR and very pleased I did them both at once.  I plan to return to daily surfing in a few months and I'm thinking with the proper PT I'll be in better shape than I have been in years.  Each of us are different however I just wanted to present this option in the case you need to get both of your hips done.  

Forgive me if I'm miss reading your note as I'm not sure if getting "plastic hips uncemented" is same is THR.

9

Hi

​I am 8 months post op Thr 1 and only 5 months post op Thr 2. I have been back on the bike for about a month now. Previously used to do hilly 80k. I am back up to 25k with no ill effects and only caution is holding me back really. Avoiding my hilly routes for now too. Non impact sport has to be a good thing. My surgeon said the joints have been tested to an equivalent of 30yrs movement and showed no sign of failure. Its where they are connected to your bones that may fail earlier due to wear and tear from impact. One great tip from the surgeon was to include weight bearing low impact exercise as this encourages bone growth and also will lubricate the new joint by stimulating the production of synovial fluid. For this reason I am adding a brisk daily walk of 1-3 miles too. I an loving a daily swim of a mile at the baths (this may a good one for people who use endurance sports to regulate good mental health)

cheers paul

10

Hi All, Sorry for delayed and thanks to all replies. I've been busy renovating a house for sale before I get the operation. It seems their are quite a few fit people out their which gives me much encouragement.

The reason I ask about high mileage on the bike is that I would be afraid of accelerating osteolysis as my hip will be ceramic on plastic. I know the wear rates of new plastics and ceramic is a lot better than of past but that is my only concern.