2 months post-op

[Dannywayoflife]

Hi Steven, sorry never heard of that device. Personally (and I have made this choice myself) I'd say your better going with a device that has a ton of PUBLISHED data. Go to a top surgeon who uses a known proven device and the likelihood of a good outcome increase exponentially. We can never completely mitigate all the risk but by doing as I have said it hugely reduces it.

With a bhr(or other proven hr device) there is no reason you can't return to running again once fully healed.

Danny

[chuckm]

Hi Steven, I researched that device and it is a old fashioned traditional total hip replacement system. Not sure if you will find anyone here with that.
If you are considering running again you should find an experienced resurfacing surgeon.

Chuckm

[Steven]

Appreciate the replies guys.

Yes I got the impression from the surgeon this was more a Total Hip Replacement & when I asked him was anyone running on it, he advised there were people testing it but gave no other
information at the time.

The major part to this surgery I liked is there are no muscles cut & respect for nerve side of things.

Does anyone know if the Resurfacing Procedure & the AMIS Technique can be performed as a combination surgery ?

Regards

Steven.

[einreb]

Does anyone know if the Resurfacing Procedure & the AMIS Technique can be performed as a combination surgery ?

Regards

Steven.

Hip resurfacing can be done with the anterior approach.  Its more common for THR because you don't need the same access to the joint.  However, it is known for not giving as much access to the bone for placement.   So... maybe 'less invasive', but they have a harder time seeing what to do and getting it done correctly for resurfacing.

The term minimally invasive is a little absurd.  Its carpentry.  Find an experienced surgeon with outstanding results that have a solid history of success.  Another week of recovery from a slightly larger incision but a greater chance of a long term success?  I'll take that any day of the week.

For what its worth, my resurfacing incision is 3.5 inches.

-Bernie

[Dannywayoflife]

Minimally invasive is a bit of an oxymoron. So they cut less muscle but then the lop off the whole femoral head and neck! Go see a decent resurfacing surgeon buddy and don't look back!

[chuckm]

Steven, if you want a device that is proven to perform for someone who wants to include running as a regular exercise activity, the best choice is resurfacing. You have many many people here who have gone right back to their sporting lives with full blessings from their surgeons - marathoners included. Unlike total hip replacement, resurfacing requires the surgeon to cut some small exterior rotator muscles and then suture them back together - even for the anterior approach. Although that sounds bad they heal completely and it is not something that would ever be a thought in your mind when you are back running a 5K.
For some reason when it comes to hip surgery, a hip surgeon who is unable to perform the more difficult resurfacing procedure will NEVER refer you to one who can. That is just how it is. There are many here who are very happy with their total hip replacements but just about everyone draws the line that you should look to get resurfacing when you talk about going back to running. Just like Danny says find the best surgeon (you can find them on this site) and just let them do their stuff!

Chuckm

[Steven]

Very wise & experienced feedback which is the best of all, thankyou.

Resurfacing is looking better every day for me & I am feeling more comfortable thanks to
this forum.

One of the surgeons I feel confident with uses the ADEPT system in Australia, but I realise  it does not have the history of the Birmingham.

Is the ADEPT system a suitable option (if I want to get back into some running) to the Birmingham & other approved options from other members experience?

Regards

Steven.

[Dannywayoflife]

The adept is very similar to the bhr. The main differences are the tapered stem and the 3 flanges on the cup. Metallurgy is the same as is the porocast beeds on the cup

[toby]

Hi Steven, just to add on from Danny-I have the Adept and my surgeon switched from BHR 5 years ago. You can do the research and find that the designer and manufacturer of the Adept (Mike Tuke) was instrumental in helping Derek Mcminn design and manufacture the BHR. My surgeon and Jeremy Latham switched as they worked closely with Mike Tuke in the development of the Adept. Hence, as Danny says it is very similar. The National Joint Registry results in the UK and Australia comparing BHR and Adept are also similar with both performing excellently but BHR coming out on top of all devices (probably down to the most experienced/successful surgeons using BHR).
So I see that you are in Australia- supporting what others have said-my advice is do the research on the surgeon with whom you have confidence-re- his experience/success/revision rates/frequency of HR surgeries/testimonials etc and also look into the world renown surgeons like Shiminn et al and the geographical practicalities.
Best Wishes
Toby

[MPH]

Hi Steven, I too am Down Under and 3 weeks post op BHR on my right hip. I had the surgery in The Avenue Hospital, Melbourne by Andrew Shimmin of the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group. He is one of the world leaders in research regarding resurfacing and my experience of him and his team puts him right up there. Excellent service. I flew interstate for his services and have not one regret. I already know I'll run again, it just feels so good not to have any groin/hip pain whatsoever. You can just tell. I have zero pain needs, walk every day, start hydrotherapy next week and am scehduled to get on the stationary bike too. Awesome recovery I put down to the skill of Shimmin.
Just my thoughts, if you're Down Under look him up. Many of his research articles are on this site too.
All the best with your quest!

[Steven]

Thankyou for the responses & this gives me a better understanding.

Good to hear from MPH from Down under also with personal experience & surgeons info etc.
I am very pleased to hear of your positive experience.

I am interested to know if you had a choice between the Adept or Birmingham & did you discuss
getting back to some running with the surgeon & what was his advice please?

Regards

Steven

[MPH]

Hi. No I had no choice but saying that I didn't ask. All my research, and believe me my wife will tell you it was extensive, lead me to the BHR anyway so I was happy. It was BHR or nothing!
When I spoke to Mr Shimmin about running again he was quite reserved and likes to take each case on its merits. He gives advice about things like that post surgery, after he has fixed what was wrong, knowing exactly what he has done when operating. He will give the standard response regarding running advising against it from a preservation of prosthetic perspective but then says he has numerous patients who have run with no ill affects.
As a quick update, 5 weeks post op today. Cleared to resume swimming at the physiotherapists today. Using the turbo trainer daily up to 45 minutes getting the heart rate up there starting to use resistance. Range of movement is the current goal but it's far better already than pre surgery. Gotta keep reining it in and do as I'm allowed. I'm not wrecking this BHR by doing too much but it appears I am one of those lucky ones with a good recovery.

[Steven]

Thanks very much MPH for your feedback.

Your research & efforts are paying off by the sounds & its great to hear of
close to home positive results & experiences. Like you I am doing my best
to gain maximum knowledge before taking the next big step.

Wishing you continued steady progress & good luck in your rehab.

Regards

Steven.

[Comfortably Numb]

I am 13 days post-op and just returned from a 1.2 mile walk, 80% unassisted (i.e., no cane).  Should I simply be listening to my body, noticing pain levels, etc. as I determine how far to walk at such an early stage; or should I keep the distances lower than this regardless?  I don't recall any restrictions on this.  I actually feel better when I get the motion going, but I'm wondering if this is considered too much even without significant pain.  thanks

[MattJersey]

I can't comment on what should or shouldn't be done, only have surgeons advice to go on. I should be walking about 1/2 mile a day tops by now if gradually increasing to a mile at six weeks. I'm 14 days post op today.

I've overdone it again today, but it feels like "in a good way", tired muscles, felt like good walking technique, especially through part of stride where fully loading the operated leg.

I'm still using two crutches as it gives me the confidence to walk more "normally", rather than slightly favouring my good leg.

Sounds like you're going great CN, delighted to hear it.

[surfhippy]

I was walking a mile by just around 2 weeks post op. I used crutches for 1 week and a cane for a week. I never went back to the cane but if I felt real sore, I went back to my crutches a couple evenings just to get a break. I am now 5 weeks out, and I'm walking 2 miles on the beach in the morning with a nice pace, and without a limp. I do get sore at the end of the day, but with smaller degrees of soreness. Getting a good nights sleep really helps. I'm just listening to my body. If it feels good, do it.

[Daytona Dave]

Surfhippy is right. Listen to your body.
I was advised to use both my sticks if needed to walk correctly, in other words without limping. And as I progressed to use one stick if required to walk without limping. I guess to teach the muscles to heal correctly. In other words, only drop the aids when you really do not need them.
Good luck :-)

[Comfortably Numb]

All excellent points and I appreciate it.  When I first start out, I'm a little stiff and that ever-present groin pain is there.  As I continue and get warmed up, most of that leaves and I generally pick up the cane and carry on.  I've been concentrating on form--placing my operated heel first and following through, but I hadn't thought so much about the limp.  Maybe I should walk only as far as I can go (round-trip) without limping.  I don't think I'm limping that much, but an observer would be helpful.  So maybe it's better to walk as far as you can with good form and no limp than it is to just set out and go long distances thinking only about pain levels............

[Ernie]

I'm 8 days post op from having my second hip resurfaced by Dr Gross. My recovery with the first hip 4 years ago was quick and the surgeon who did it (not Dr Gross) had no limits on how much I was allowed to walk. So I walked a lot and was up to 3 or 4 miles at a time by three weeks. The thing is that I'm able to do things even a day or two sooner this time.  Today I walked outside for the first time, and ended up walking 1.2 miles carrying the cane. I'm walking very carefully, and I'm paying attention to how my body feels during and after.  Honestly, unless my body complains I'm going to have a hard time walking only a mile.  I'm pretty rational so am open to good reasons why walking more that 1 mile is bad for me at this point.

[Comfortably Numb]

Ernie, there is no doubt that we both had a great surgeon..........