How long to they think RS hips will last

[forwinns33]

Hi,

First, I would like to thank all of you for all the information you have provided, It has really been helpful. My wife, who is 44, has to have both hips done, one is scheduled for March 13 and the other hip will be done on April 3rd. Has anyone here had both hips done in such a short span, my wife has 10 degree range of motion in one hip and 25 degree range of motion in the other. I am a little concerened with having both hips done so close together, doctor said he won't do both at the same time, wanted three weeks apart. The other question I have is, how long are these suppose to last. I know total hip replacements are only good for about 15 years, does anyone have a clue for the resurfacing.

Thanks in advance for all your answers,

Jim

[Pat Walter]

Hi Jim

Welcome to Hip Talk.

Many doctors do both hips at one time. That way you have one surgery and one recovery.  There have been a number of bi-lats go to my doctors in Belgium, Dr. De Smet.  Many have gone alone and had no problem.  They stay in the hospital an extra day or 2 more than one hip.  I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days.  The bi-lat that was with me was also only using 1 crutch a few days after surgery like the rest of us. That is not uncommon with the De Smet hippies.

Kanni and Michelle are 2 more recent bi-lats that went to Belgium alone. They have quite detailed stories posted here   http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php#Dr._De_Smet_Hip_Stories_    There are bi-lats from other doctors too if you look up and down the list.

The person that has the oldest BHR in my hip stories has had hers 15 1/2 years ago.  A hip resurfacing in theory should be no different than a total hip replacement.  The hip will last as long as the bone arround it will continue to hold it tight.  BHRs have been placed since 1997.  The hip acts more like a natural hip with a hip resurfacing and hopefully the loading on the bone helps to keep the bone strong. Walking helps keep the bone strong.  I had a loss of bone density since I was a 61 year old woman and I was told that walking would help build bone density by both Dr. De Smet and Bose. It is a weight bearing activity and that type of activity builds bone density.

If you look at my medical studies  http://www.surfacehippy.info/medicalstudies.php   You can see a handful of studies from 20 years to 8 and 9 years.

Even at 61, I prefered the bone sparing Hip Resurfacing because if or when I need a revision, it will be much easier on me since I still have my complete femur bone left to accept the stem of the long THR femur device.

Please wish you wife Good Luck for us and keep in touch.

Where do you live?  What surgeon is she using?

Pat