possible implant failure at 8 yrs

[catexd2002]

I had my right hip resurfaced by Dr. Gross in Oct. 2001; a Cormet 2000.  Until recently, I have been doing quite well.  

About 8 weeks ago I started experiencing some groin ache/pain, and I'm concerned that the implant may be failing.  I contacted Dr. Gross and will have an x-ray done.  But in the meantime, I am wondering if anyone could point me to a resource that describes the symptoms of implant failure.  In my case, the ache/pain is on the inner front of my sitzbone and also on the front inner surface of my groin.  It does not prevent me from sitting, standing and walking.  In fact, the pain is almost un-noticeable if I am moving gently.  Still, I'm worried that any movement may exacerbate the problem (if it is implant failure)

One possible complication is the fact that I have osteopenia, something that developed in the last 2 years.  FYI, I am  58 year old woman, former dancer, yoga practitioner; I also swim at least once a week.  I have been fairly active since the surgery, but not in agressive, high-impact ways.

Thanks in advance for any information or thoughts.

[Pat Walter]

Hi

There is no one set of symptoms for a resurfacing failure.  Different people have different kinds of pain and symptoms.  Most people have a great deal of pain when there is a loose femur cap or there is an acetabular cup in a bad position causing edge wear.  You will have to rely on the doctors looking at your x-rays and most likely doing a special blood test to check your metal ion level.  If you have excessive edge wear from the cap rubbing on the femur cup, it develops high metal ions.  Not many labs do the blood test, so you have to rely on the surgeon to know where to get this done.

You really have to rely on the doctor and not just an analysis of your pain.  You could also have bursuitus or some muscle problems too. 

I hope you can find out the reason for your pain and it will not mean that your resurfacing must be replaced.  I will watch for your future posts about your problem.

Pat