Information THR revision surgery
Posted , 9 users are following.
I had a LTHR just over 6 months ago and it couldn't have worked out better. I have better function than I ever have had in my life and no pain.
My implant is ceramic on ceramic, short stem and cementless. I have been told it should last a long time and that even though I am in my 40s I am unlikely to wear it out.
Here's my question. Suppose I do wear it out and in 15 to 20 years I need revision surgery, how bad is this? Will it just mean the same process over again. An operation followed by 3 weeks of hell, another 4 of discomfort, then back to normal?
I am not sure how much I should fear revision surgery and therefore to what extent I should be limiting the use of my new joint.
Cheers
1 like, 6 replies
steve86482 john26737
Posted
kimberley38758 john26737
Posted
Hi John,
I was 49 when I had a FRHR last July 2016. I too worried a little about being too young and probably outliving the life expectancy of the new hip. My surgeon didn't seem too concerned about it. He does replacements all the time. Plus, medical technology is improving every year. There is absolutely no way of predicting the future, so we could be worrying over nothing. Think about all the medical advances there have been as you look back at each decade.
I no longer worry about what 'might' happen. Live life to the fullest every day. You'll be much happier if you do
rose73925 john26737
Posted
Hi John
I have just had a right THR, and it sounds as though my new hip is made roughly the same way though the surgeon referred to a 6-inch shaft into the femur, and yours sounds shorter..?
When he came to see me after the operation, I asked the surgeon what type of 'spike' he'd used and he told me he had used a smooth stem that would not unite with the bone encircling it, but be detachable more easily from the femur if I ever need another hip.
I cannot quite get my head around having a free-floating new body part, and wonder if this is what you were given too. He said obviously the implant could never come out, as it is held in place by soft tissue, but I am more accustomed to think of the body as trying to heal itself, therefore producing new cells to hold onto the implant.
Whatever: good luck, and your progress has greatly encouraged me, as I am now 2 weeks in, though there's a big difference in our ages (I'm 66). Obviously no one can give assurances about longevity. I plan to step up my normal occasional swimming and regular yoga into a fitness programme at the gym, but try not to overwork the joint so as to keep it for a long time!
all the best
Rose
linda81469 john26737
Posted
Morning John. I had to have a total hip revision after 3 weeks. I dislocated my first hip replacement. I had to go 6 weeks non weight bearing, no hip flexion past 80 and no hip exercises. It was not good. I developed tendonitis and bursitis. I'm a little over 7 months in and suffer now from nerve pain in front and side of thigh. Still limping and using cane. Joint is stiff. I hear revisions are tougher than first time and recovery is slower. But of course i wasn't expecting this so soon. Hope your new hip last you many years. Just take care of it. I know many people say they are doing well and forget they ever had a hip replacement. Wishing you continued good healing and health. Linda
Rocketman_SG6UK john26737
Posted
I had revision just 10 weeks after my THR, the surgeon 'went in' along the site of the old scar. Operation time was similar to the first one, but this will depend on what they have to replace. I'm no surgeon, but if they decide to just replace the ceramic bits, then it's a simple case of sliding the head (the ball bit) off the stem and replacing it, then just extract the acetabular component from the metal shell (the bit they couldn't move on my revision ) and replace that too.
As to the recovery ....... that's exactly the same - I know, I've had to do it after each operation.
Let's hope that if we need it done in the future, they can do it with minimally invasive surgery and cut the long recovery time.
Graham
renee01952 john26737
Posted
seems like you are doing great !!! seriously, why worry about what might happen
20 - 25 years from now?
I agree with Kimberley .. medicine, techniques and procedures are advancing at rapid speed --- I
celebrate and embrace life to the fullest now, darling ....
big warm hug
renee