Groin Pain - Revision?

[n9gun]

I had my left hip resurfaced in 2008.  I never could get the groin and hip flexor pain to completely go away, but operational enough to live an active life.  For years it was there but at low levels.  In the last 6+ months, it has gotten much worse, especially when weight-bearing.  Finally, I scheduled a follow up with the surgeon as I am scheduled to have lumbar back surgery at the end of the month and I wanted to make sure I looked at all the issues before that surgery.

The Dr took X-rays and everything looked normal but he was very concerned.  He sent me to have a MARS MRI and a blood test.  He wanted to see me in a week to review the results.

I'm afraid what I will find out.  If the metal hip is failing, what are the most common options?  I can't afford to be out for 2 - 3 months from work for each surgery.  Yikes!

Thanks,
Tom

[hernanu]

Hi Tom, sorry to hear about the groin issues.

I'm not a medical person at all, but the tests you're having are:

1. MARS MRI is meant to test for pseudo tumors that may spring from metallosis.
2. The blood test is probably meant to test your cobalt / chromium levels for metallosis.

So he checked you out structurally (the XRay) and is now testing for metallosis.

For me, the best thing to do is to wait for actual results, to know where you stand.

[Some Dude]

How are you doing ? Blood tests come back high ? Just curious, hope you're doing better...

[Bones]

Hi Tom,

I had very similar problems.  I had my HR done in January of 2010.  It never felt "perfect" and the biggest problem was pain in my groin area.  Last October the pain got so unbearable that I went back to the surgeon this January.  He immediately informed me that he no longer performs these surgeries due to "new evidence", and told me I needed a THR.  This was even before an MRI was done. The MRI confirmed this, as I have fluid in this hip area due to my body reacting negatively to the metal on metal device.  I then found the most experienced Dr. who performs revision hip surgeries in the Boston area for a second opinion, and he confirmed this diagnosis.  I go in 10/28 for my THR and I am, naturally not a fan of HR.

Thanks,

Tom

[Tim Bratten]

I just thought I'd chime in and mention that I had an HR done by a doctor who didn't have the necessary experience and skills to the do the job and it turned out to be a mess. After a hard year and a half I had a revision to a THR done by one of the world's best revison surgeons and, well, it's working out pretty dang awesome. A couple of years latter I had an HR done on my other hip by one of the world's top HR surgeons, someone who has good success with thousands of surgeries done and, well, the result so far has been pretty dang awesome.

So that makes me curious who your surgeons were, because I've developed a sort of theory (a theory overwhelmingly backed by the evidence I've seen so far) that goes like this: HR is a good alternative only when it is done by a committed specialist who has done hundreds (or better yet: thousands) of successful procedures. It seems to me there were a number of surgeons who "dabbled" in HR with out really committing themselves to developing the necessary skills and experience  and when the results turned out poorly for them, the easy way out was to blame the procedure. Anyways, it's a theory I have. 

Good luck Tom (and Tom) with your problems. My only advice would be, if you need a revision:  search out and find a surgeon who has had good success performing (at least) hundreds of revision surgeries and someone who, based on their experience, can give you a high probability you will get your life back. 

Cheers
Tim (happy and rock climbing actively with revision surgery)

[Pat Walter]

Tom and Tom

I am sorry to hear you have problems with your hip resurfacings.  I will be happy to post your stories in the HR Problems section if you want to write a short story.  I would also ask that you include the name of your surgeon.  That helps others to know surgeon outcomes.  Most of the top experienced surgeons that have done thousands have very, very few problems.  Since they do hip resurfacing daily or weekly, they are very experienced and have better outcomes than those surgeons that only do a few now and then.

I am always sorry to hear about anyone that needs a revision.  The folks here are very supportive and it is good to have people to talk with.  I encourage you to post your stories for others to learn from.

Good Luck.

Pat