Failed hip arthroscopy, would hip replacement help?

See another surgeon that only does replacement s! In my path, before surgery my pt guy said to see another surgeon he knew. I went to see him, and he imediately said I only do arthroscopic clean up work. You need a new hip! So I felt more convinced on my surgeon that I started with a year ago, that told me I need a hip and to tough it out before I start the journey with him. My journey started three and half weeks ago. It was self convincing to hear another surgeon say, (I can't fix this, and the guy you saw a year ago can).

I hope this helps you. Good luck

Hi Kylie, 

Warm welcome to the hippies forum -

I am so sorry for the pain you are in - Is getting a second opinion (from OS in other medical group) an option?

I don't think I can give you any suggestions in this matter - 

Your surgeon is the expert, I think and if you still have enough cartilage, hip replacement might not be beneficial to your specific problem ...

please let us know how you are getting on, okay ...

big warm hug

renee

Hi Kylie,

I don't know where you are but my surgeon was fantastic. Only does nhs work. Mark Chatterton at Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough Kent. He will tell you honestly. He doesnt do anterior as far as I am aware. I was 55 when he told me my choice was to live inpain which would get worse very quickly or have a hip replacement. So my o ly choice in truth waz replacement. He is kind and caring. Good luck

Definitely a hip replacement you are way too young to be suffering with such pain. BUT do your research & find an extremely experienced surgeon. 

Do you have private health cover? Not sure where you are but here in Australia it's an essential so you can skip the waiting & also choose your surgeon. 

All the very best.

I went to see two other surgeons for opinions. One was a highschool friend he said yep , you need a new hip. The second surgeon only did arthroscopy (clean Up) on hips. I didn't know this, but when I saw him he came in and said why are you here? You need a total hip?? well my PT guy suggested him, and later apologized. But my point is. He right away knew he couldn't help me and even offered to call the other surgeons I saw for advice. You could have a surgeon trying to get the most $ out of a hooked patient! Go see an old school total hip surgeon and see what he or she says! This guy is getting 10k off you a cut, or more,

That's my advice, good luck!

Thanks so far for everyone's comments. It's really helpful to hear your experiences of getting different opinions from different surgeons. It demonstrates that it is good to get several opinions. From your comments, I've also learned that surgeons who specialize in arthroscopy are probably not going to agree to do a THR whereas, "old style" surgeons who are experienced in THR would be more likely to see a THR as necessary. 

I have a further question for the forum that I would appreciate feedback on and that is:

Have you or anyone you know had a THR even though the cartilage is still intact? I've heard from a couple of surgeons that absolutely no surgeon would agree to doing a THR if the cartilage is intact. However, I thought that THR should be an option if the pain is coming from the hip joint and the labrum is a mess of scar tissue and tears. 

Hi, Did you have your The in the end? I'm in a very similar position as you, I'm 45 with three failed arthroscopies for labral problems and no quality of life at the moment due to pain levels.

I got a second opinion from a surgeon who insisted that a thr was my only option. I returned to my original surgeon who reluctantly agreed to preform the thr. Like you my cartilage appears to be in good condition. I'm waiting for my operation but would love to hear how you get on as I haven't spoken to anyone in my position and am really anxious about the outcome.

Hi everyone, thanks for leaving your thoughts and experiences here for people to read. I too have just had my 3rd arthroscopy on my right hip. 1st was to fix a labral tear and FAI, 2nd was a capsule repair and 3rd was removing adhesions and tightening of ligaments. I'm 3 weeks after surgery and seems to be slowly getting worse. Physio seems to be going fine and I've more movement but I can't put any weight on my hip or sit up for any length. I too was told my cartilage isn't too bad and that no surgeon would replace it. I'm 34. Any update on how you guys are doing? Wishing you all a speedy recovery

Hi Kylie

I am sorry to hear that you have been in so much pain. I thought I would explain my situation to you which may be of some help.

I had a right hip arthroscopy last November. I had a labrum tear, mild DDH (Developmental Displaysia of the Hip) and osteoarthritis. I am 52 years old and had been living with pain for approx 5 years. Eventually I couldn't walk without limping and life became pretty miserable! After the arthroscopy I wasn't convinced that it had worked but thought I would try and stay positive and give it a chance. However, after 4 months or so, the pain had come back and the osteoarthritis had got worse. I knew before my operation that there was only a 60 per cent chance of success, but I wasn't deemed bad enough to have a hip replacement at that time.

Ironically, and frustratingly so, in March of this year it was finally decided that my only option was to have a total hip replacement. A decision which I welcomed and pushed for! I am no expert, but from my experience I would go on how you feel and your quality of life. Something I learned was that a scan can only show so much. Having said that, a friend of mine had resurfacing which proved to be successful following 2 failed arthroscopies.

I am now 18 days post op from my THR and I am already feeling much better....can't wait to get my life back! If you're not sure, I would perhaps get a second opinion. Either way, I wish you the best of luck!

Angela