20 year old hip replacement fails today!
Posted , 11 users are following.
I had an uncemented total hip replacement 20 years ago that failed today. I had just potted up some seedlings and was bending down to clear up stuff when my hip gave way. It made a sound like there were granules crunching around in my hip joint combined with a lot of pain such that I could not stand up.
I dragged myself indoors and tried to relax and try to stand up but just could not weight bear. I called the emergency services as this was a Saturday and my surgery was closed.
Ambulance to hospital and after several hours was seen by a doctor who ordered X-rays. Orthopediac consultant brought in and he thought that the plastic between the two metal elements had partially failed. Sent home as they could do nothing until they knew the name etc of the prosthesis used and had considered a plan of action.
By this time the pain had eased and I. Was asked to try weight bearing then walking which went quite well so was discharged and so I had to order a taxi for the ten mile journey.
I live on my own but felt that I should give it a go. Almost as soon as I got though the door by hip became quite stiff and was making a horrible loud squeaking noise!
I wonder if anyone else had this happen. I understand this squeaking is often found in the more modern ceramic hip joints but mine is the older metal and plastic type.
1 like, 18 replies
mic71403 RichardKen
Posted
Mine is 15yo....titanium Birmingham hip...and touch wood still just fine. Had second ceramic Exeter hip last year and that is fine too.
Wondering get wot had happened to you since this posting and hope you are well and pain free.. and new hip?
Warmly
Mic
Exeter Devon UK
RichardKen mic71403
Posted
Dear Mic
From about five years ago I've been aware of a clonking from my hip when getting up from bending down to for example to touch my toes. About two years ago I started to get a discomfort from my hip when I walked more than a mile but only had to stop for a couple of minutes for it feel OK again. As a result I had a couple of x-rays done but nothing untoward was picked up so it was a shock when two years later it failed but it was quite a busy time so perhaps it was just the final straw!
Just this week my surgeon'a secretary was asked to obtain the replacement parts and I've confirmed that I will take any short notice cancellation so the clock is ticking
Cheers Richard