what kind of implant

Hi. I was scheduled to have a metal implant 4 years ago, but 2-3 weeks before surgery I said I wanted a ceramic joint and after some discussion my surgeon agreed.  I think they may be more expensive but as you may know there are some concerns about metal on metal implants.  There is no difference re male/female.  You are measured up according to your height/weight.  Do some research and then discuss with your surgeon.

In the end your surgeon decides and you have a veto by refusing consent.  Surgeons normally use just one or two designs - they get more expert with practice. If you have any strong preferences then tell your GP and see if they can refer you to a surgeon who uses them.

I think they've discontinued metal-on-metal but I wouldn't have had one. The rest you have to think about for yourself - the question I would ask the surgeon is 'what is the clinical data on the median lifetime for this prosthesis and how many have been implanted in the UK' [Median is a fancy type of 'average' but gives a better indication than just adding up lifetime and dividing by the number of cases]

If he uses a relatively new prosthesis then you will have to decide whether you are going to go with the potential but not proven improvements or find a more conservative surgeon but potentially miss out on any design improvement benefit.  Not an easy choice and it gets more difficult as results improve - after all it takes 25 years or so to know if a 20 year lifetime can be improved.  In some ways it depends on your age - if you are young or near the end of your life the relatively new prosthesis may be good but if your life expectancy is a bit shorter than a tried and tested one then the conservative option is attractive.

You do have a limited choice and you can do your own research but ultimately,your

consultant/surgeon should be your best guide....one other option to consider is whether you have good bone structure or not because this could mean your implant(as mine was)may be the non cemented type,meaning the prosthesis is put in place but but bone cells grow around it,whereas the cemented in prosthesis may eventually loosen over the years of use......for us Hippies it is a whole new world of discovery and I wish you the very best for your future.....keep us informed of your choice,reasons why and progress..take care..

 

re cemented / uncemented joints, I had uncemented for both of mine because I was relatively young to have it done at around 50.  I was told that if I needed a further replacement later in life they are easier to remove.  I also put off having surgery for too long due to fear and also because I was young.  Looking back I wish I had had them done sooner.  Don't know what point you are at, but don't suffer for longer than you need to.