Contraindications for resurfacing

[jss]

Not sure where to put a "hello world" post, but this looks as good a place as any.  I am so glad to find this resource.  It has been hugely informative.

I'm a 52 y/o male, marathon runner, ironman, etc... and have been trolling this site reading for some days now.  My short story is ... I was hit by a car on my bicycle in 1973 and couldn't walk for weeks because of r hip pain.  All was fine until 2007 when I started having popping and clicking in that hip.  In 2013 I started having pain that would clear up on its own; then it took NSAIDs, then steroids, until now when it won't quit not matter what I try.  The common myriad of tests revealed a "pistol grip" deformity of the femoral head/neck that has destroyed the labrum and hyalin cartilage in the acetabulum.

I've found a lot of information on this site, but still have a number of questions; the main ones being about contraindications for resurfacing.  Specifically, I can find no contraindications for hip resurfacing regarding deformities of the femoral neck and head.  Obviously there must be enough bone in place to support the femoral cap.  Do such deformities typically contraindicate a hip resurfacing?

Thanks

[Dannywayoflife]

We are all only laymen and can't give you a definitive answer. I know some really severe deformities can stop a resurfacing how ever the best bet for you is to we a TOP surgeon who has done several thousand resurfacing's with a good retention rate and they will be able to tell you what's possible and what is not better than any of us can.

Danny

[hernanu]

I agree with Danny. Your best way forward may be to get in touch with some of the surgeons on the site who will look at your X-Rays and give their opinion.

They don't charge for the service, I think you just email the images and they will discuss it with you.

I know that I was bone on bone, so had some deformation. I also had bone spurs, etc - all were wiped away.

Anyways, welcome to the site and I hope you are a good candidate. Failing that, we have some great hippies here who have THRs and are doing just fine, so the alternative is also positive.

[HowieF-16]

I agree with previous posts, you must see a qualified HR surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate. I was worried myself that I had contraindications. I had several cysts in the femoral head in addition to having lost all cartilage on my femoral head and 30% in the socket. I saw Dr. Raterman in Tampa for my initial consult. He explained that several of the cysts would be milled out when he reshaped the femoral head and if there were other problems he could do a bone graft in other cysts. Go ahead and make the appointment. Good luck.

[Dannywayoflife]

Jss Where abouts in the world are you? and what surgeons do you have on your list to see/consult with?

[chuckm]

JSS, active males with osteoarthritis are the ideal candidates for resurfacing. The outcomes are excellent. A pistol grip deformity is a form of arthritis known as FAI (femoro-acetabular impingement). This is a condition that I had. Get to a surgeon from this site (pick the most experienced one you can get to) and get started.   

Chuckm

[jss]

Guys, thanks for all of the input.

I'm in Dallas.  Brief history:

- I saw arthroscopic hip specialist #1.  He thought my "mega-cam" FAI and 70 degree labral tear could be fixed orthroscopically, but would require an uber-specialist; someone better than him.
- I saw that uber-specialist, Robert Scheinberg, last week.  He said he could fix it all, but didn't think it would fix the pain, because it was caused by osteo-arthritis; not the tear and FAI.  He referred me to a colleague, Kurt Rathjen, for possible resurfacing.

I then found this site and have been reading, reading and reading some more.  I've given my images to Dr Rathjen and overnighted them to Dr Gross in Columbia.  Each said that they'll get back to me when they get back to me.  Dr Gross is well known on this board, but I find no mention of Rathjen.  Does anyone know anything about him?

Thanks, jss

[jss]

Just for fun, here's the x-ray of my deformed and worn out right hip.  I know y'all aren't doctors, but any thoughts are welcome.

[Dannywayoflife]

Personally I would see a Gross, Su Pritchett etc as they really know what there doing.

Just looking at your X-ray and it's kinda funky!!