Total hip replacement (THR) at age 34 - help!
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi,
After two failed hip arthroscopies (one involving microfracture), it's looking very likely that I'll need a total hip replacement - but having done some research I'm a little over whelmed by how many different types there are (cemented vs cementless, ceramic vs metal vs polyethylene, THR vs resurfacing). The main thing I can’t stop thinking about is that even if I get 25 years out of a new hip, I’ll still only be a very active 60 year old when it fails. So, I have a few questions for anyone who can help!...
1. How many revisions can I have? If only 2 or 3 then am I likely to be in a wheelchair by age 60-70?
2. What type/material hip should I get? I know cementless has less statistics on longevity but does this give me the best chance of having a hip for a long time?
3. Is it easier to perform revision surgery on cemented or cementless?
At the moment I think a cementless ceramic on ceramic or ceramic on polyethylene might be my best options but I'm just not sure! It's such a minefield.
I have HEAPS of other questions but I don’t want to confuse this post by asking too many in one go!
Any advice and support is HUGELY appreciated,
Many thanks,
Liam
0 likes, 14 replies
Guest liamfahy7
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liamfahy7 Guest
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annedi liamfahy7
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As for revision that would depend on what they had to do - I asked about my first one and if it were needed which it isn't yet they don't have to replace everything the stem and ball could remain in my case. I assume that different parts can fail.
How long they last I would think would also depend on what you do when you have it- are you going to do a lot of sport for example and also what weight you are putting on it. I am very slight and have tried to be careful over the years since my first op. I have walked and do a lot of gardening but haven't done any impact sports.
It is very difficult to advise when every one is different. I can only speak from my own experience.
Good luck with your choice!
liamfahy7 annedi
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ian97093 liamfahy7
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Kind regards Ian.
liamfahy7 ian97093
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sportsw4 liamfahy7
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liamfahy7 sportsw4
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christine2107 liamfahy7
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Ceramic very strong but is catastrophic if it shatters - do you do activities likely to cause this to happen? My consultant veered away from that as I am very active and he had just recently spent hours picking shattered ceramic out of a joint
There are lots of good consultants. There is also a cheeky piece of software / xray that you might ask for as it gives the surgeon the best ever information about how your hip and pelvis work and therefore the safe way to put in the cup - this is often a problem. Its by a company called Corin and is their Optimised Positioning system - worth everyone googling this one. I had it done and it turns out I have a huge pelvic tilt when I sit down - and my cup was placed safely. You can check surgeons performance out on the National Joint Register -see how many operations they do and mortality and other stats. Good luck - Chris
jennifer2000 christine2107
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Interesting perspective on ceramic, one I'd not thought of. What prosthesis did you end up going with?
Jennifer, UK
liamfahy7 christine2107
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I am 34 and would like to use my new hip to remain very active (cycling, swimming, lots of walking etc.) - so I imagine it's these kinds of activities that could shatter a ceramic hip right?
It's a total contradiction really as the experts will say ceramic lasts longer so is best in younger and more active patients - but it's no use if it shatters!
Thanks for your reply
dot60135 liamfahy7
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You have been given good advise, speak to your surgeon and by the way mine was cementless, told 20-25 yrs, total of 3 revisions possible so I could get into the history books ;-)
Thake care, Dot
liamfahy7 dot60135
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christine69594 liamfahy7
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My consultant said ceramic on ceramic is longest lasting so they tend to put those in younger people and cementless is easier to replace when it needs to be.