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Hip Replacement for Osteoporosis sufferers.

Posted , 6 users are following.

gloriajoy
gloriajoy

I am trying to find out what effect Osteoporosis can have on recovery from a Hip Replacement.

When I mentioned my concerns to my GP he just said that most people of my age (78) have osteoporosis.This seemed to me a very casual attitude.

I am interested to learn  the experiences of people with osteoporosis who have had THR.

Has anyone suffered bone fracture and/or extended recovery time?

There is lots of information online,but nothing that mentions osteoporosis when undergoing a hip replacement.

Also no way of asking questions.This seems to me an oversight. The NHS website and the NJR would do well to make that option available.

Only fellow worriers on this forum are able to understand and respond.

I thank everyone who can shed light.

Best wishes to all

Joy x

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ros007
    ros007 gloriajoy

    Posted

    When I was working with orthopaedic surgeons they frequently used THR for fractured necks of femur due to osteoporosis. The risks of fracture may be higher than for those with robust bone but did not seem to happen at all frequently with the patients in the series (about 200) I followed.  Rehab depends to an extent on the muscle power pre-op.  If you have been inactive and your muscles are in poor condition then your rehab will often be slower than someone who has managed to maintain muscle strength pre-op. If the osteoporosis has greatly impeded your current activity then it might be worth enquiring whether a course of physiotherapy pre-op would help your rehab.

    When you sign the consent forms or at pre-assessment you can pose your question to one of the team and see what they say. In most hospitals pre-assessment is earlier and I would start there but the rules say that informed consent means what it says on the tin and the surgeon should answer your question - unfortunately this may be very close to actual surgery in some hospitals although pre-assessment is usually some weeks before.

    Although I don't have full-blown osteoporosis my bone density is at the bottom end of normal due to previous parathyroid problems and I was fine with a rapid and easy rehab but my muscles were OK.

    Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

    • marey
      marey ros007

      Posted

      this is such helpful advice.

       

  • joy47826
    joy47826 gloriajoy

    Posted

    Hi Joy, I'm 76 and had hip replacement when 72....my issues have been many.

    I had one bone density test probably almost 10 yrs ago and osteopena was mentioned....I know I've lost a couple inches from my 5' 5" frame....BUT I do take a lot of bone building supplements so HOPE all is OK there....

    I've never had a fracture and dread going for more bone tests...I have good posture and do a lot of stretching to keep things stretched...

    I believe anything can affect wrong goings on with these replacements.....

    I just posted a new discussion and wonder more IF I really needed the replacement.....grrrrrrrr

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK joy47826

      Posted

      Hi

      I've just answered and said i replied to your other thread.....reading through it i dont know if it was you or gloriajoy????

      I'll repeat the post.....I'm 68, had a DEXA scan about 4 years ago.

      Was diagnosed with Osteopinia. I made life changes and then forgot about it.  After my 2nd THR I was doing an NHS exercise...abducting my leg to strengthen the muscle and there was a crack....Into hospital, and they X Rayed it....fractured my greater trochanter bone...Nothing they could do about it, it would heal but would take a long time.

      6 months later I'm still on 2 crutches....they did another DEXA scan and discrovered that I had ostoporosis which is why it fractured so easily.

      Love

      Eileen

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK gloriajoy

    Posted

    Hi Joy

    I've just answered your post on another thread....so you know my story.

    I'll be watching this thread with interest.....thanks for starting it

    Love

    Eileen

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