Two Options - Arthroscopy or Hip Replacement and Who?

My surgeons view is that you do a THR when the BENEFITS outweigh theRISKs.

This is not just about the x Ray picture but the whole person and their needs and feelings.(his words)

Hppe this helps a little

Janet

hi emma, 

wow ... 

I am assuming that an xray was taken - on mine it clearly showed that there was hardly any cartilage left - bone-on-bone so to speak - 

could you go with the hip doctor?   he is right in a way - the sooner the better -

please let us know how you are getting on ..

Could you get a 3rd opinion ?  I can't help you which way and who to go to - I live in Holland, but I am pretty sure that someone on this forum might be able to help you ..

big warm hug

renee

Hi Emma

For what it's worth my opinion is have a hip replacement . I understand as a general rule arthroscopy only clears things up for a while but does not last long . I had one on my wrist lasted 6 months before wrist fusion and mother on her knees had knee replacement . As arthritis is a progressive condition it is going to get worse . I had steroid hip injection last June worked a treat for 8 months then wore off . My surgeon sai I could have a few more but I was only delaying the inevitable . I am 56 and as I was fairly young he said I would benefit as I would end up having it eventually anyway . So I am 11 days post THR right hip .Not been a walk in the park. But I don't regret it as I chose to get rid of pain rather than hang onto an arthritic hip that was getting worse . I know someone who is having it done in November who has fought against it in agony for 15 years ... Not my cup of tea! I personally don't see the point of hanging onto a diseased hip but it's a big op so you do need an expert opinion . Good luck X

It really depends on how much this is efecting your daily life . A hip replacement is a huge operation but has benefits. You and any surgeon needs to look at the whole picture. Will it only get worse ? In what time frame ?? , can you cope with the level of pain your in ?? , what's the cause?? . My story ............,,Iv just had a hip replacement 2 weeks ago . Born with hip congenital displacement ( sockets the wrong shape) . Missed at birth . Pain since 11 years old . Am now 35 , very young for a hip replacement Kept being put off by my surgeon for years until I was house bound and in horrendous and unable to care for my 3 children. However I now have a long journey ahead of me , physiotherapy, rehabilitation,etc and will be some time before getting my life back on track (3-5) months , but 12 months to be 100% . It shouldn't be a quick decision. I'm going to have to be careful and stay very healthy and look after my hip . And pray it lasts me 25 years 😳 Xxxxxxxxx

And reading what Hazil said about steroid injection lasting 8 months , just shows how different every case is . I'd have given anything for my steroid injection to work , but it didn't even last 1 day . Every case is so very different xxx

Thank you all for so much help and advice. I am in a position 2 years on from when it all started, when I really can't stand much more of this persistent, ongoing problem that limits everything I do and everywhere I go. It's not so bad that I can't walk at all - but it is very limited - I can walk for 5 mins the hip area gets sore and more sore the longer I walk on it. I definitely have cartilage missing on the top of the femoral head (fairly extensive) as seen at arthroscopy, and the hyaluronic injections have helped, but my insurance co. wont pay for any more as they are pain relief and only last for 3 months or so. 

Even on a good day, I am limited to walking short distances, getting severe gluteus medius tendonopathy and also si / Back pain. I have to lie down on the sofa every evening rather than sit.

I have two opinions now - more arthroscopy (but only going to sort out one of three issues), or a hip replacement. If I take a 3rd opinion (which I would ilke), then the hip surgeon would say, come to me and I'll do a hip replacement, but I would prefer to have a view from someone who has nothing to gain, but knows about hips and cartilage well enough. Who could advise which surgeon to go to for my particular case - & whether in fact it should be arthroscopy or replacement at this stage now.. I live in the Birmingham area of the UK.

[b]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1303615/Britains-surgeons-hip-replacement-surgery--voted-specialists-themselves[b].html

Take a look at this , it may or may not help 😳. It dose sound to me as if it's having a significant detrimental effect on your life , which will will begin to effect your overall health .

its a long recovery time and it's hard , but the long term benefits do outweigh. Keep in touch xxx

Iv posted a link about top surgeons it's still waiting to come through because of the link X top surgeons in the uk x

Emma, 

I have been thru 3 THR over the past 20 years. 

I hope to clear up some of your confusion. 

When in my 40's hip pain was there cushion on the femur bone hip joint was slowly wearing off until it was bone on bone. 

I asked about resurfacing the femur and the concern was that it always fails and that THR is the best alternative once the hip surfacing begins to wear. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Wear and tear arthritis of the joint. The hip joint is the heaviest loading joint in the body.

The dr didn't try to urge me to do the surgery right away , instead said when the pain is at a point where I have had enough then I am ready then THR.

The doctor warned me not to wait to long in order for a good outcome for THR the bone stock must be in good shape . Some wait until there is necrosis, bone spurs and this complicates the outcome in some cases. 

3 months later had the THR and was so glad I did. The terrible agonizing pain was gone and within a few months was back to a life with no pain