UK Doctor Mr. Richard Slack

[jackie]

hi i am new to this forum too, just found out i have got to have my hip resurfaced by my consultant in canterbury Richard Slack, I am 43 years old very active and have been told that this procedure would be better for me, a thr may have to take place later. Any one familiar with Richard Slack? I am now on waiting list and have been told it will be about 6 months       

[Pat Walter]

Hi Jackie

Welcome to Hip Talk.  I hope you don't mind, but I put your post under a new topic so people can see that you are asking about Mr. Slack.

My discussion Group is still pretty small, so I doubt you will hear from any of his patients - but you never know. There are many more US folks on the site right now.

You doctor is right that at 43, hip resurfacing should be the only option your are considering.  I have written a series of articles why hip resurfacing is best for younger people.  http://www.surfacehippy.info/visitorguide.php

Hip resurfacing is bone conserving because you keep your complete femur bone.  In a thr, the femur bone is cut off and a long device is pounded into a hole drilled into what is left of the femur.  If you start with a hip resurfacing, you will have a whole femur bone left if you need a revision later in life.  Revisions of THRs are more difficult. Check out this page  http://www.surfacehippy.info/thrrevision.php  They have to break apart your femur to get the long stake out and then wire it back together.  So with a hip resurfacing, you are ready for an easy revison to a THR if every required.

You are young and a hip resurfacing is very difficult to dislocate so you can do anything you want after surgery.  Check out my athletes stories with hip resurfacings  http://www.surfacehippy.info/athletes.php

I am sorry that I can't tell you about Mr. Slack, but I think he has made a good recommendation for you.  There are a few other people from the UK that were discussion the time waits in a few other posts.  Perhaps they will respond to you.

In the mean time, if we can help you with any other info - just ask.

I wish you luck with your surgery. You are very young and you need a hip resurfacing to stay active.

Pat in Ohio
3/15/06 LBHR De Smet