I wanted to know peoples experience with Dr Su at HSS in NYC and their results with hip resurfacing. I am an avid golfer and swim for exercise. Would love to get back to playing tennis as well. I would love to hear and and all positive and negative experiences if there are any. Having knee pain and pain in my leg as well and don't know if this is normal and from my hip. Contemplating having my right hip done soon and wondering if I should get an opinion form Dr Gross in South Carolina. Don't know about the cemented vs. cementless implant for the femoral head
Thanks
You're going to get Dr. Gross patients telling you to go to him and vice versa with Dr. Su patients.
Go with Dr. Gross, he's a much better doctor, there I said it! LOL <JK>
Ok, all kidding aside, those two doctors are arguably the top two hip doctors in the country and certainly rank in the top 10 in the world IMHO.
Talk to them both, see what you think, you can't go wrong either way.
Chuck
Not too argue too much with you Chuck but I would like to nominate Dr. Pritchett in the top three US HR surgeons along with those two.
Dan
Hi Chuck,
Do you live close to Dr Gross or did you travel a distance. If so what is that like. How long did you stay in SC and how was the traveling and the post op period being so far away if you were. Do you have a cemented femoral head? How active are you now? Thanks
I live in Pittsburgh, PA, it was a pretty long drive. Out of town patients do their face to face with Dr. Gross on Tuesday, operation Wednesday and you are discharged Friday. We got there Monday.
The hospital is small, easy to get around and your family can stay right across the parking lot of the hospital where you get "Dr. Gross rates". Dr. Gross has a floor for his patients and he pretty much picks his nurses who know his protocol.
I got the uncemented femoral head, I am very active.
As to traveling post op, I actually drove from mid Virginia to almost the PA/WVA line and I was fine. Traveling for me was really no big deal, although when I first considered travel for surgery most people thought I was nuts and sometimes I did thought same.
Finding the most experienced surgeon is VERY important to insure a good result, travel if you have to many of us did it and were fine.
Here's a kind of blog I put together after my recovery ended, it was put together from Emails I exchanged with other patients and patients to be. Scroll down and you will find it easily.
http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=1055.msg6307#msg6307
Good luck to who ever you go to, LOL I won't get mad if you choose someone else I just want to make sure you end up with a positive result, Dr. Gross is one of a number of surgeons that people end up doing really well with.
And Dan, yes, I've read lots of good things about your doctor and no, you were not being argumentative at all.
Chuck
Hi Silky,
I thought that I would chime in on the questions you asked Chuck.
I believe that most of Dr. Gross's patients travel from out of state, so it is very doable. I flew all the way from Hawaii for the surgery, and flew to Idaho for my initial recovery. If you fly; book first class seats even if you normally would not (the airlines will often give you a bulkhead seat if you explain), take advantage of the wheel chair service through any big airports and arrange it ahead of time through the airline (I went through three different airports, the one in Columbia is very nice and easy to navigate). Whether you are traveling by car or by plane, do the "ankle pump" exercises a lot to prevent blood from pooling around your ankles, and ice and elevate whenever you can. As Chuck said, there is a nice hotel right across the parking lot from the hospital. After surgery, I chose to stay for two extra days at another hotel run by the same company that is a couple of blocks away, and has nice suites with a kitchen and living area.
As for your other question; I have an uncemented femoral head, and am pretty active: skiing 8 hours a day, every day, all winter; and playing tennis, surfing, and windsurfing everyday all summer. Resurfacing is all about being able to return to an active lifestyle.
Thanks so much for the information. Still haven;t heard form any of Dr Su's patients. If there are any out there please respond. NYC is much closer for me and I understand that he has done a lot of these procedures but I think he cements the femoral head. As far as Dr Gross's patients how was the follow up done? Any return visits to see the doctor? Thanks again
Silky,
Two of the best surgeons in the world, like Chuck said. You won't go wrong using either one. And I am also nuts, because I rode in a car from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and back. I am a bilat, had both done the same week and still was able to ride in a car 600 miles back home. It was not bad at all. We split the drive home into two days. I was on some good meds and had ice on me the whole time. Both of my legs swelled, but nothing that bad and I was not in any pain at all. I was more uncomfortable driving and riding six weeks later when I went back to S.C. for my 6 week check up. Why did I ride in a car instead of fly? I don't mind driving or riding long distances and it was a lot less expensive that way. It's just a personal choice.
Also, Providence Hospital Northeast, where my surgery was done, has all private rooms and someone can stay in the same room free. The rooms are big and there is a sofa bed. My wife was very comfortable and didn't mind it at all. She didn't want to stay in a hotel by herself.
Dr. Gross prefers to see his patients at six weeks unless it is just not doable. If not, that's O.K., just send x-rays to him. If there are any problems or concerns, his office has a doc on call after hours. I used the service once because my bandage got water under it on day 5. The response from the on call doc was very timely and he was very helpful and friendly. He was another orthopedic surgeon in Dr.Gross' group. I received a follow up call about an hour later to make sure I was alright. They won't just send you home and forget about you even though you are a long distance patient.
Dr. Gross does all of his femoral heads uncemented. I have two and I am returning to a very active life. Having cemented or uncemented is a personal choice. Only you can make that decision. Ask all the questions you want here, you'll get lots of help.
hi there. this is my first post. i travelled from Houston to have a bilat. BHR 5 months ago with Dr. Su. Nothing but good things to say about him and ALL his staff as well as HSS. I am a Physical Therapist and did my careful research. I am doing great. I had absolutely no problems post-op. playing tennis again now. No regrets so far. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to attempt an answer.
Hi,
I went to Dr. Su 2 years ago this October. Can't say enough about him and the hospital..(I believe its ranked as top 1 or 2 in the country). Dr Su was outstanding and his record speaks for itself. I live about 100 miles away, so the trip was easy. Any questions, I'm at john.macneil@optum.com
Hi People,
What do you think about the NY Times article today? Have any of you had post op metal levels checked or had any issues with the metal on metal issues? Can't post the link but it is from Today's NY Times Tuesday August 23td, 2011.
Thanks
Silky-
There is another thread that talks about this article specifically.
Dan
Thanks Dan,
I'll Look for that one
hi sootie hear.
regards nytimes article i had an asr done in june 2008 although metal ion levels are up cb 150 ch 135 i am in no pain.the thing that made me wonder was the part about the rash.for some reason i was of the opinion that the rash if any one had one was in the grneral direction of the scar i noticed a rash appeared on the balls of both feet although the right one seems to be getting better the left one (resurfaced side)is not it starts out with blisters then breaks into a sore.am i reading to much into this or do i have cause for concern.getting my right hip done next month
Hi Sootie, have you talked to your surgeon about it?
Hi Silky,
Regarding the article; note that it says that 75% of the complaints were related to ASR devices. This is a known issue, and confirms that not all devices and surgeons are equal.
Replying to your other question. I did have my ions tested at two years just for personal assurance, even though Dr. Gross said it was unnecessary. I was delighted that the Chromium came back at 1.3 ug/l. The report noted that anything up to 1.4 was in the normal range, referring to people without metal implants, so I was pretty happy about that. I would have to guess that this level is not unusual for Dr Gross's patients with Biomet devices.
Quote from: hernanu on August 23, 2011, 02:57:26 PM
Hi Sootie, have you talked to your surgeon about it?
hernanu
will be talking to him before my op on 29th sept needless to say i am a bit anxious about my 2nd hip op,after the disappointment of the asr,concerned about new implant twinlock system and marathon acetabular cup. according to my surgeon having good feedback about the implant hope he's right sootie
Looking for more of Dr Su's patients and how they are doing post op. Anyone have the experience of being scheduled for a resurfacing and wake up with a total joint?
That's really rare with the experienced doctors.
Chuck
re: Silky's concern about awakening post-op with THA instead of resurfaced hip: Concur with Chuck.
I think the odds of being struck by lightning on the way to your appointment are greater than the scenario you mention-especially if, in the case of an experienced surgeon, the possibility of this happening wasn't tabled by him. It would most likely be something known in advance as a possibility and discussed with you. Very rare event I expect.
Looking form more of Dr's Su's patients out there if there are any and their experiences.
So far nothing but good stuff which is wonderful to hear going into the surgery. Any exercises pre-op that might help? Any advice on getting your house ready for the post op period? Any pearls for PT or rehab? Normally swim but nervous about health clubs and pools and MRSA etc. Thanks
Silky
Still looking for more of Dr Su's patients that are post op and their experiences. Want to know about golfing specifically and how long it took to get back and feel "normal" Nervous about swimming post op and MRSA. Anyone do aquatic therapy post op? Thanks
Silky;
I don't believe that Pre-op exercises are always "required", but in my opinion they can be helpful and only require 5 min. or so each time you do them. Realistically, you don't need to make a career out of it. As a physio and a bilateral resurf. I would say that spending at least a month or two (3x weekly) working your your hip abductors (both sides!) against resistance (rubber tubing) would be a good idea. If you are able to work them in a standing position, that is preferred since in our everyday activities, that is the position we most frequently find ourselves in. (Post-op, it's a completely different story-especially early on. You'll be doing mat exercises then). Of course, I don't know your current personal situation so you should be assessed appropriately before beginning any program. Also, it wouldn't hurt to do some arm strengthening, especially triceps. You will use your arms a lot post-op with and without your crutches to assist in moving around and getting up and down from bed, chairs, etc.. You will appreciate having stronger arms to compensate for less-than-ideal leg strength, especially in the first 2-4 weeks.
Silky-
I agree with Russell that pre-op exercises are not required. But I would say it would be highly advisable to do as much training like those exercises he mentions. This will make recovery quicker and more enjoyable (or less unenjoyable).
I was told I could go back to swimming as soon as my incision was totally healed. At around 3 weeks I went back to the pool. I started with aqua jogging which feels great. It works those walking/running muscles without the pounding. And I also started swimming with a pull buoy. Because I have the 90 degree restriction for 6 weeks I have to do open turns rather than flip turns. It was a little awkward/scary turning and pushing off the wall but that got easier after 4-5 sessions.
MRSA is a nasty disease for sure. It can enter the body through openings in the skin like abrasions and cuts. That is why you have to wait until your incision is totally healed before going in a tub, pool, or jacuzzi. I always keep some StaphaSeptic from Tec Labs around for when I do get a scrape or cut.
Best wishes.
Dan
Thanks for the good advice
Silky
I see you are still looking for some Su reports? I am an extremely happy customer. Four years post-resurfacing, I haven't had any pain, immobility, anything that would suggest that there once was a very impaired joint down there.
I rock and ice climb at a high level (5.11 trad / WI5) - professional guiding, included. I can jog down boulder-strewn trails, carry a heavy winter pack, put my foot in places it hasn't reached in twenty years.
Dr. Su was personable, responsive to my questions and emails - excellent in every way. If any climbers out there are interested in chatting, let me know.
Don Mellor
Dear Dan,
Thanks so much. So great to hear your story. My surgery is next week and I am anxious to say the least. I know that I can't go on like this as since i was in a car accident in January my right hip has gotten so bad that I limp and have pain almost all the time now. I 'm a golfer and haven't been able to play at all. How long did it take for you to return to work and activities? How long were you on crutches? If it was your right hip how long before you were able to drive? How long before you felt really good?
I don't live in NYC and don't know if I should stay a few days after the surgery or just go home form the hospital. Did you have pain in your knee as well from your hip? Thanks for fielding my questions and again so great to hear a good story. I feel good about Dr Su and confident that he will do a great job for me too. I am looking forward to feeling good again. Best regards
Mitch
Mitch-
Fortunately I was able to start working from my computer within a couple of days. Granted it was from the easy chair and included frequent naps and walks. I was back in the office part time three weeks after surgery.
I was on two crutches for only a couple of days around the house and about two weeks for longer walks. Then one crutch for about a week. Finally a cane for about two weeks.
I had my left hip done and drove an automatic after three weeks. I changed to my manual transmission after six weeks with no problem.
Weeks five and six really started to feel more normal. There are long periods now when I forget about my hip.
I had pain in my knee before surgery caused by my hip. I have pain in my knee now as I work the new mechanics of my hip.
I was released 32 hours after surgery and rode two hours in a car. Tin was released after 29 hours and rode 6 plus hours home.
You can read more details than you wanted to know on my blog, fullmetalhip.wordpress.com.
Best wishes.
Dan
Dan,
How deep of water did you run in? Was this a temporary thing or a steady workout?
thanks, take care,
stano
Hi Mitch,
I am not a Dr. Su patient but I can tell you that I have met in person many of his patients that rave about him. I know Pat has a section of patients that went to him on this site and I do as well on mine. Dr. Su uses the proven BHR device which has been around now for over 14 years, actually over 20 years if you count the first prototype. And HSS has one of the lowest infection rates of any US hospital which should also be a huge consideration. If I would have chosen to stay in the U.S. to have my surgery, I personally would have only gone to Dr. Su. He is a very talented and gifted surgeon IMO. You will be in excellent hands. Golf will be a piece of cake for you, but please follow the docs instructions and do not return to anything too early on. Please keep in mind that the inventor of the BHR device which is considered the Father of Modern day hip resurfacing, Derek McMinn still suggests waiting a full year prior to doing any heavy impact sports like running, etc. Look at it as a one year investment in the rest of your life. Derek McMinn doesn't have a 98% overall success rate after 12 or 13 years for nothing.
Vicky
Stano-
I actually did deep water running 25 years ago whenever I would have a leg injury that prevented me from running. It is a great workout that keeps running muscles firing.
I am running in any water in which I can't touch the bottom. I go for about 30 minutes with a running motion with arms and legs. My chin is right at the water level.
I also tried running in the "lazy river" at my gym. It is just over a meter deep. This is going to be a great workout also.
I figure I will be doing these two exercises at least until I am cleared to run outside.
Dan
I was operated by doctor Su on 06/06/11. I had horrific bone growth in the muscle from a prior surgery and bone on bone hip. I had a bad limp and in pain all the time if I moved around. Also I had lost almost all movement in my hip. I could not lay my leg down flat on a bed without extreme pain. Dr. Su said he had only seen the level of bone growth in the muscle 3 other times and that was with hip replacements.
I went slow with the rehab as I was terrified I would harm myself as I am a brute. I can now bring my knee to my chest and walk without pain. I tried out the hip as far as sports and i was in no pain or soreness. I can put my foot on my opposite knee but I am working on bringing the knee closer to my groin.
I would be happy to answer any direct questions you may have.
Thanks for the reply and glad to hear you are doing so well. I just had my hip resurfaced by Dr Su this past Saturday the 24th and got home in 2 days from the hospital. HSS was great and the care there topnotch. I am just starting my journey back after an injury from a car accident and am so glad to be on the other side of the surgery. I am just nervous about falling and trying to wean myself off of the heavy pain medications as best I can. Talk to you soon and thanks for sharing your story.
silky
Glad to hear you are home and doing well. Dr. Su is one of the best. Take it easy and Thanks for giving us an update. Good Luck.
Pat
Thanks Pat,
I wouldn't have ever know about hip resurfacing if not for my friend Neil and would likely have never found Dr Su if not for you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and advice. I am glad that I started this tread about Dr Su as well so other patients can see how wonderful a person he is and how great HSS is as well. Talk to you soon
Mitch
Regarding waking up with THA instead of resurfacing:
I was scheduled for resurfacing with Dr Gross in August 2010. He said that because I had been bone-on-bone for more than 20 years (resulting in lots of heterotropic bone growth) that he would have the THA parts on hand in the operating room in case resurfacing was found not to not viable.
I woke up after the surgery, and I asked the attending nurse if the operation was a resurfacing or a THA. She examined the records and said it looked like a THA.
When I met Dr Gross several hours later, he told me that resurfacing was done. Not a THA. Later, I saw the xray . . . NOT a THA!
Because of the messy hip situation, I was 90% non-weightbearing for 6 weeks after the surgery. After that, I've been wide open for anything (except told to wait one year before horseback riding, which I followed). Now I'm riding horses, but the other hip sure hurts. Gross saw the arthritis on that other hip at the one-year followup, and he said it was a candidate for surgery. Scheduled for next resurfacing in December with Gross. The operated (left) hip has never, ever had pain since surgery. Was driving two days after surgery with no limits or accomodations. Just a little slower getting in and out of the car . . . a very little bit slower.
Great news and so happy for you. To have that in the back of your mind before surgery is difficult and to have such a great result is the goal. Have heard nothing but wonderful things about Dr Gross. My right foot is the one I had done so no driving for me for some time. Not sure I would feel comfortable driving if it was my left anyway. One week today and feeling much better. Went 7 hours without pain yesterday but then did a little too much and kicked my butt last night. Doing my PT at home and able to go up and down stairs without a problem. Looking forward to having my x-ray in a month and moving on to the next phase of my rehab. Can;t wait to golf in the spring. Haven't touched a club at all this year due to the pain and miss it a lot. Always great to hear good stories. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!
Mitch
Bad right hip since 2004. Too many marathons and one Hawaii Ironman. Male, 48, 160 lbs. Just booked a BHR with Dr. Su for Dec. 27th. Merry Christmas!
Any comments, suggestions, experiences greatly aprreciated and valued.
Have two young kids and hoping to chase them around for many years...
Jon
ps: Love the site and has had so much influence on my whole thinking/plan! Thank you to all contributors.
Welcome Jon - good choice for the doctor and a great decision to have the resurfacing. Looks like a good holiday present for you. I think there's plenty of good advice here, and things will keep coming up in your mind, so don't be shy about posting, we've all been there and can help.
Only overall things I can give as advice:
- Patience. Both before and after, most folks here are take the bull by the horns types, apply that to patience with your body and yourself.
- Ice and ice again afterwards, elevate and in general remember that no matter how great you feel, your body needs help in getting better.
- Strengthen your core. It will definitely help recovery.
- Keep after your doctor / nurse /etc. for information at any time you feel like it - they're working for you.
- Let the ones you love help you. It will make things easier on you mentally and overall, and it will help them.
Welcome again.
Hi Jon,
I am almost a month post op. Be glad to answer and questions I can that are appropriate for my post-op state. Firstly, the care at HSS was phenomenal and Dr Su is wonderful. Really genuine and everyone and I mean everyone raves about him. Do the home rehab religiously and from the moment you get to recovery move your legs with ankle pumps and the exercises that they let you do. Moving right away is critical to getting out of bed and out of the hospital.
The better shape you are in prior to the surgery the easier it will be for you as well. If you have any specific questions for me just write them and I will try to help. I know making this decision isn't easy as several of the local docs for me tried to dissuade me from resurfacing but I am happy with my decision. Good luck
Hey Jon,
Dr. Su and HSS are the best in my eyes, 7+ weeks out and doing great. You will be too, nice Christmas gift.
Don't blame the marathons and IM's for the hip hiccup, think of it (BHR) as an opportunity to get back there.
I know I'm going back to Hawaii for lucky #13!
As Hernanu says patience is #1 afterwards. The horrible pain will be gone and you'll want to take off...
Good times are coming...
David
Thanks to all for replies and input. Really looking forward to getting back to normal. Slow degradation over last six years...
Dec. 27!
The complication rate for 925 hip resurfacings done by Dr. Su is 1.3 %, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
See www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=89618 for the report.
Don't seem to read much about Silky's mention of golfing (doesn't look as hard has my spasmatic running fits for four hours!). But I got to golf at 7 1/2 weeks yesterday, with operated hip on right side, and right handed. Was scared to death with the initial swings and rotation. Could NOT do that for 6 months without being reduced to a crippled mess. After several holes, still felt loose, had not dislocated myself and felt no twinges. Normal swings from there on in, and wow, my hip was about the ONLY thing that wasn't sore after a year of non-activity. The surgery is a miracle. Dr. Su, Dr. Gross, any of the good ones...just get it done and start swinging!! Fore!!
Curt
Great place to start, cwg.
Does anyone know how to start a new topic?
I am 48 hours out from surgery and wanted to post on progress.
Today is cardio work up, pre screening and hip class.
Hey Jim - I put mine in Hip Stories, but you can put your topic anywhere.
- Go to Hip Talk
- Select the topic (I chose Hip Stories)
- Select New Topic in the top right area
- Give it a title, ready to go.
Here is a post that has some graphics to help how to post a new topic.
http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=10.0 (http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=10.0)
Pat
I have not posted in a long time. I am a patient of Dr. Su’s and had a Birmingham hip replacement 12 1/2 years ago. I have had a flawless procedure and absolutely no problems since my hip surgery. I was quite young when I had it done from a motor vehicle accident.
I went for several opinions in Philadelphia, where I am from before seeking out Dr. Sue at HSS, the moment I met him I knew he was the right one for me.
He is caring and outstanding in every way. I am very active. I’m a competitive golfer. I walk almost every day and I’m doing great more than a decade later. I know nothing about Dr. Gross other than when I had mine done. He was one of the few other surgeons who had experience doing this procedure , I’m sure he is excellent as well but I did want to let you know that Dr. Su is fantastic and you should know qualms about having him take care of you. Additionally, HSS in New York is just the top place. I recently underwent cervical fusion for an unrelated matter at HSS and again the nursing care is the best.
I hope this answers any questions for you and is helpful