Wear life of ceramic THR if walking an average of 3 miles a day and twice weekly cycle rides .

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi,

Ive had a right THR three years ago at sheffield and and its been wonderful. Just recently Ive been walking most days about 3 miles, and in better weather go about 20 miles on my road bike twice a week.

Im mindful that the more distance I do the more wear I will get. At age 72 im also aware, if im lucky I will only have 5 or so active years left. So its a compromise.

Am I over worrying about wearing the hip out or should I continue at my current rate. Most if the rest of the day Im sat on my bum.

Its a nice problem to have but just wondered if anyone has any thoughts on this.

Everyone knows of someone who has gone back to be a top runner, cyclist,or tennis players but its very hard to find history of these type of people past five years.

Thanks for listening and hello to any hippies from around dec 2018.

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Edited

    one of my hip components is ceramic the other metal. most studies on ceramic vs metal have no difference in wear. most of the wear is the cup between the ball component and acetabulum. the metal hip 24 yrs old the ceramic 12 yrs .most of the wear is in the cups thru x-rays show wear. been very active for many years in my 70's.

    its the patients responsibility to have yearly check ups , x-rays to evaluate hip components.

    • Edited

      Hi Barbara,

      Thanks for your reply, that is encouraging. I assume for the ceramic hip that it is the cross linked polymer

      that wears out., or is it ceramic on metal without a plastic liner. Mine has a polymer liner.

      I know that the polymers used have been improved over the years so maybe 20 years is doable for you ger more sedate, light weight people. Myself, 85 kgs, 5ft 11in and more active than most my age, hopefully will get 15 yrs especially as my activity level will be tapering off soon.

      Thanks for replying,

      and I will be getting wear assessments next year.

      Peter

    • Edited

      we will not be offered an annual x ray or check up for THR via NHS or BUPA. After you are signed off after a few months that's it. unless you have some major problems.

    • Posted

      Hi Barbara How exactly do you get yearly check ups, x-rays and an evaluation of your hip components. After a final check up, which from memory is 3 months, your consultant says good bye. The NHS offers no more support, even though 5 years later my hip still hurts but that is a different issue. Which wonderful health service provides these things. i love your expression that it is the patient's responsibility!!!

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