Happy New Year to all! I moved to the Bilateral forum since I've had both done now. Immediate post-op reports on the second hip are in the Hip Stories forum.
Just over 2 months post op second hip (and 15 months from the first one) and life is wonderful! No pain, range of motion, balance and strength returning rapidly, helped along by a pretty rigorous training program within the 'no impact' parameters, but I'm very determined to get back into racing shape before spring -- I have lots to do this year!
Swimming 3 mornings a week, yoga 3 nights a week, indoor biking at least twice a week, isometric and light weight workouts 3-4 days a week, plus walking everywhere. We have no winter to speak of, rain and ice everywhere, so I bought carbide studded trail running shoes which are AWESOME.
I have had absolutely no issues post-op other than muscle strains. The new incision already looks very similar to the older one, no swelling or bruising (actually never had much of either, even immediately post-op.)
Very anxious to get back on my horses and start trail running again after breakup. For the first time in many years I have a solid, balanced foundation and really feel the difference. I'm looking forward to being able to get back into competitive riding shape, however, my horses who have had a life of leisure and not much riding the past couple years may not be as happy :)
If I can answer any questions, please let me know. Very happy to be on the other side.
Sounds good and congrats BAM!
Hi everybody,not a frequent poster but I thought that I might get some advice,suggestions and thoughts on the following.
At my annual review in November 2014,I presented with groin pain, clunking and shifting sensations,impingement issues, difficulty with flexion and adduction and problems sleeping.
These symptoms had become apparent for the three months prior to my review and had become increasingly more of an issue,so much so that I was almost back to pre-op pain levels.
The registrar who saw me, suspected metallosis as one of the possible causes and I was sent for blood tests to that effect.It was also explained to me that I would have to return for ultra sound investigations which I did in December.
My follow up appointment showed that the placement of the component was good and metal ion levels were within normal limits. However, the ultra sound showed that " there was marked tendinopathy involving the iliopsoas tendon" and that there are prominenent osteophytes,measuring approximately 5mm in relation to the anterior aspect of the acetabulum, which are impinging onto the psoas tendon.
I was offered conservative treatment, rest,NSAID's,PT and possible steroid injections.
Some of the questions I have formulated since the appointment are :
Why were the osteophytes not removed at the time of the operation?
Is it likely that they will continue to grow and cause even further irritation and damage in future causing chronic damage to the tendon ?
If the situation is chronic, what are the issues of using NSAID's in the long term?
As the source of the problem is a prominent osteophyte,is a hip arthroscopy to remove the bone spur from the acetabular, a viable proposition?
Would PT be of any use, given that the source of the inflammation is a bone spur irritating the psoas?
It seems ironic that an operation that I fought so hard to get has been compromised by the presence of an osteophyte that could possibly have been removed during the operation and that pain and function levels are almost back to pre-op levels.
Apologies for the length of the post, but any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are most welcome.
i have one question to help you, your doctors, and all of us to understand what has happened. Osteophytes should show up on x-rays. Do you have the option of comparing your post op x-rays and current x-rays. It would be interesting to see if the offending osteophytes were present right after surgery meaning that they are left over from your original arthritis, or if they have developed since then. Knowing this will not solve the problem, but it would let you know whether you can expect these osteophytes to continue growing by comparing how much has changed since the surgery; are they the same, or have they developed since then. I think that this would at least answer your question as to whether they may continue to grow and cause increasing problems.The answer might also offer some insight into your question about whether arthroscopy to remove the spurs might be successful. If they were present right after surgery and are the result of the original arthritis, then removing them might be a permanent solution. If they have developed since the surgery, it might indicate that they would be likely to grow back.
I hope that this helps you in figuring out how to move forward.
Thanks John,it is something that I have considered asking and will now do so.My feeling,is that they were present pre-op.If they have developed since, my feeling is that not a lot will be done other than conservative treatment, which would be disappointing.
Hi there, really sorry to hear of the problems you are experiencing post HR. You identify and articulate succinctly all the questions and possible logical solutions and John offers really insightful advice. So apologies as I my post is going to offer little other than support. I note from your previous posts that you were experiencing discomfort in psoas quite a while ago-when working out-so maybe your hunch is right that the osteophytes were not new growths! In addition to the pre/post xrays, one would also hope that your pre and post operative records would have information about osteophyte presence/removal(I certainly had this discussion with my surgeon pre and post op). I know that you have seen a registrar have you seen Mr Treacy?
Best Wishes
Toby
Hi Toby,no, I haven't seen Mr Treacy yet,as he is away on holiday until the end of January.I hope to follow up my e mail to him with an appointment.
That's good-hopefully Mr Treacy's sec/admin dept will recognise that an urgent appointment is necessary as soon as he returns. The good thing is that you have a diagnosis from the ultra sound results and a full list of questions to go over with him to aid a resolution. But just to go back over my earlier question-presumably you had xrays done shortly after the op and for an annual review so have you seen Mr Treacy since your op or were you seen by another surgeon?
Toby
Easy way to get your X-ray mike is a foi request to the ROH. You can also request your entire medical records from them.
Cheers Danny,it's worth knowing,will probably wait until I hear from Mr Treacy.
Hi Toby, was seen by a registrar ,not Mr Treacy at annual review and at follow up appointment, it was an advanced practice nurse.
Mike, yeah so it really is time to see your consultant.
Keep us informed
Toby
mickymoko, I remembered your name and looked up previous posts. Is this groin pain a continuation from the groin injury using kettle bells back at about 5-6 months post op?
chuckm
Hi Chuck, well, not sure about that but it is a problem that's been on going since then,however tests show that the problem is the osteophyte irritating the psoas,so to my mind ,get rid of the bone spur get rid of the problem.
Quote from: mickymoko on January 22, 2015, 02:16:12 PM
Hi Chuck, well, not sure about that but it is a problem that's been on going since then,however tests show that the problem is the osteophyte irritating the psoas,so to my mind ,get rid of the bone spur get rid of the problem.
You certainly might be correct. I was just pointing out that the area has been a problem that you reported before. You have to get past the consultants and talk to Mr. Treacy. The psoas is very sensitive after resurfacing and can easily become irritated and fall into becoming a chronic problem without any osteophytes. That makes it very difficult to diagnose. You are also not the first person here to report injury from the use of kettle bells.
Hopefully everything will work out with a simple solution.
Chuckm
http://surfacehippy.info/acetabilar-revision-hr-dr-gross-2015.php (http://surfacehippy.info/acetabilar-revision-hr-dr-gross-2015.php)
Acetabular Revision in Hip Resurfacing by Thomas Gross MD 2015
January 9, 2015
THR= total hip replacement
HRA= hip resurfacing arthroplasty
If an HRA has failed, I try to solve the problem by revising only the acetabular component whenever possible because HRA are functionally better than THR. If only the acetabular component is revised, the patient still has a HRA. If the femoral component is revised, the patient now has a THA.
Currently revising only the acetabular component with a metal/metal (M/M) articulation is only possible with the Biomet Magnum and SNR Birmingham implants. All others have been withdrawn from the market. Wright Conserve can still be revised in this way outside the US, because these perfectly good implants were only withdrawn from the hyper-litigious US market. The failed Depuy ASR and Zimmer Durom can be revised with a custom polyethylene (PE) bearing acetabular component. The only surgeon I know of who has access to these implants is Dr. Pritchett in Seattle. But I am not sure that a PE bearing HRA is better than a THR.
In the past, I preferred revising Biomet femoral failures with a Magnum M/M THR. This is no longer possible because Biomet withdrew the Magnum head because of a fear of inappropriate litigation in the midst of anti-metal hysteria. Now the best option may be a dual mobility head THR for femoral revisions. Other brands of HRA had poor trunions for their matching femoral stems and were withdrawn from the market for good cause. The Biomet Magnum trunion was unique and was NOT subject to corrosion from strain induced by a large head.
The advantages of hip resurfacing are:
Longer implant durability (statistically) than THR in young patients:
Nordic registry reports a 17% 10 -year revision rate with cemented or uncemented THR in patients under 50
10% of unrevised hips in registries are actually failed but are counted as "successful" because they are unrevised.
This means really a 25% failure rate at 10 years for THR in patients under 50
My personal 10 -year failure rate with hybrid HRA in over 1000 unselected patients under 50 is 7%.
With uncemented HRA my 7-year failure rate is 1%.
Bone preservation (sometimes making revision surgery easier:
My published 7-year implant survivorship in all HRA revisions is 96%
Near normal hip stability:
THR with 28 mm bearings have a 5% rate of dislocation
My HRA have a 0.3% rate of dislocation
Larger bearing sizes decrease dislocation in THR: 28mm (5%), 32mm (3%), 36mm (1%)
There is no 10-year implant survivorship data on 36 mm bearing THR
Multiple 10-year papers in HRA indicate survivorship over 90% in younger patients
Advoidance of stem related thigh pain:
3-5% with uncemented THR stems
none with HRA (no stiff metal stem in the femoral canal)
Higher functional possibility with HRA:
4/5 gait studies show HRA is superior. one shows equivalence. None shows better function with THR.
2/2 functional questionnaire studies indicate higher functional results with HRA
10-year implant survivorship declines much more with THR than hybrid HRA in patients participating in impact sports.
No decline in 7- year implant survivorship with uncemented HRA
Full unrestricted activity including running and yoga can be allowed 6 -months after HRA
But some patients are not able to run longer distances because of residual symptoms even after successful HRA.
Patient Longevity:
2 studies from the British registry have shown that young patients who have HRA have significantly greater 5 and 10 year survival than similar patients who have THR instead (HRA patients live longer).
Previous studies have shown that patients with severe OA live longer if they have their hip replaced than if they try to treat their pain medically.
Long term studies have shown no difference in cancer risk for patients with any joint replacement and the general population
Logic:
The basic problem in an arthritic hip in a young patient is a mild bony deformity resulting in a premature loss of surface cartilage. This exposes the nerve endings in the bone, resulting in activity related pain. Unfortunately we are still unable to resurface with cartilage. It follows, that the best way to correct an arthritic hip is to resurface with artificial parts, making subtle corrections to the underlying bone deformity while preserving the natural biomechanics of the hip as much as possible. Removing more bone and drastically changing the function of the hip only makes sense if resurfacing is not possible. Resurfacing is more complicated to do correctly than THR. Enough surgeons have now demonstrated that resurfacing can be done successfully. The others need to learn or retire. Younger surgeons should let the "old school" surgeons ride into the sunset doing the best that they can, but they should learn the better technique. I am convinced that most can achieve this if they set their mind to it.
The main causes of failure requiring revision in HRA are:
Acetabular Failure of ingrowth
Currently in my series 0.5%
Adverse Wear Related Failure (AWRF)
Currently none since 2009 in > 2000 cases with minimum 2-year follow-up
Overall 0.3% in 4000 cases
Overall 1% @ 10 years using Kaplan-Meier statistics
Acetabular Loosening
1.5% rate of porous coating debonding from the implant with the Corin brand only at 10 years.
Biomet acetabular components are out to 9 years without any debonding cases yet
1.5% and 0.5%% prior to instituting postoperative bone protection protocols
None since 2009
Femoral Loosening
3% by 10 years with cemented femoral component (hybrid HRA)
3000 uncemented components since 2007
Deep Infection early postoperative ( < 3 months from surgery)
none since 2009
rare prior to that
Other Rare causes for revision:
Deep infection Late Hematogenous
Recurrent dislocation
Impingement pain
Instability without dislocation
Psoas Irritation
Revising only the Acetabular Component:
I can usually perform isolated acetabular revision for the first three causes of failure listed above if we are dealing with Biomet Magnum or SNR Birmingham implants. Some of the other rare causes for revision listed above can sometimes also be solved with isolated acetabular revision. I used to do the same for Corin Cormet or Wright Conserve implants, but these are not available in the US any longer. I never did this with Zimmer Durom and Depuy ASR implants because these were poorly designed. Theoretically all of the last 4 could also instead be revised with custom plastic bearing acetabular components these do not need to be brand matched. As far as I know only Dr. Pritchett has access to these, and I would only do this type of revision with reservation if cross-linked PE were available.
The most controversial acetabular only revision is for AWRF. This requires retaining a possibly abnormally worn femoral component. Both Dr. Pritchett and I have published excellent results in limited numbers of cases using this method. The published results using smaller bearing THR instead have generally been quite poor, notably from the Oxford group (Murray, Kwon etc).
Generally, surgeons who are opposed to resurfacing believe that AWRF is some type of allergic response and that revision of these cases should entail radical tissue excisions to remove every last bit of metal debris and to implant THR with other bearing types. Unfortunately there is no convincing evidence that allergy to metals is a cause of failure; this is simply an incorrect hypothesis advanced by the Oxford group. I think that they simply failed to recognize that their AWRF cases had malpositioned acetabular components. Acting based on an incorrect hypothesis has led them to experience disastrous results with revision of these cases. (David Murray is the leader of the Oxford group; you can search all their papers on pub med if you like).
The cause of HRA failures with extensive metalosis is actually an abnormal wear mechanism called "edge loading". This is caused by either acetabular component malposition or poor design (ASR low coverage arc). In my opinion the best method to solve this problem entails careful and limited excision of tissue membranes with metalosis staining. There is no need to perform radical tissue excisions that damage muscle, tendons nerves or arteries as others have incorrectly advised. The acetabular component can usually be removed with minimal bone loss. If a well designed implant brand was in place, a new matching component of the same brand can then often be inserted in the correct position solving the problem. Usually, but not always, this requires a slightly thicker walled revision implant with a matching bearing size.
Wear failures with metal bearing THA and modular neck THA often (except the Biomet Magnum) also involve trunion corrosion problems. These problems are more complex to diagnose accurately and deal with than isolated bearing wear in HRA and will not be addressed here. The trunion is the metal connection between the head/neck/stem.
A few words of caution:
Residual unexplained pain after joint replacement:
There is a 10-20% incidence of residual pain after any type of hip or knee arthroplasty. With my experience using all 4 types of operations I find that generally function and satisfaction is greater for HRA> THA> UKA ( uni knee) >TKA ( total knee). Joint replacements do not create normal joints. Just because there is some residual pain, does not mean that the situation will be improved with a revision surgery. Revision surgery only carries a reasonable chance of success if a specific correctable cause for failure is identified. Revision for unexplained pain is a bad idea. There are several patient groups who are known to have a higher rate of residual unexplained pain after joint replacement surgery. The best thing for a surgeon to do is to recognize the limitations of joint replacement and be more reluctant to implant these patients. Patients at higher risk for residual pain after joint replacement include:
people with workers comp insurance or those who have an active injury claim. (someone else is to blame for their problem)
people who are very dissatisfied with their work
people with less severe pain, but minor x-ray findings. (princess on the pea syndrome)
people who report more than 4 medicine allergies.
people with other chronic pain syndromes "requiring" chronic narcotics
people with extreme anxiety or depression
previous major surgery on the joint/revision
Metal Allergy:
In plain English: Allergy to implants does not exist. It is an unproven concept that many people including surgeons believe in. There is no convincing scientific evidence that it is a cause for any described implant related failures. Residual pain has never been linked to skin patch tests or blood allergy test to metals (lymphocyte transformation test). Yet some experts continue to recommend that patients with a history of skin sensitivity to metals not to get certain implants. Many also subscribe to allergy testing before surgery or to diagnose residual pain. This is unscientific thinking and makes absolutely no sense.
Skin sensitivity to Nickel is very common. Trace amounts of Nickel is present in Cobalt chrome alloys used in M/M bearings. Skin sensitivity can be objectively measured by a skin patch test. Numerous studies have shown no correlation between skin patch tests and any implant related problems. At first glance it seems logical to connect skin sensitivity to possible implant rejection in the body and it is certainly a valid question to ask. but skin sensitivity to metals has been shown not to affect outcome of joint replacements. A history of skin sensitivity or a positive skin patch test has no predictive value.
It also makes no sense to order a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). It costs $500 and gives you a beautiful graphic printout documenting "allergies" that you theoretically have to various metals and even bone cement. The problem is that it is an unvalidated test. The disclaimer says so right on the report. This test has been around for over 10 years but has never been shown to be diagnostic of anything. Basing treatment decisions on this test makes as much sense as consulting a mystic.
About 500,000 TKR (total knee replacements) are done in the US annually. The vast majority employ a cobalt chrome femoral component. All implants release low levels of artificial particles into the body from wear or corrosion. Measurable ion levels have been recorded for these implants. Metal ion levels from well-functioning M/M HRA are somewhat higher than for TKR. Function is higher and the rate of residual pain and dissatisfaction is lower after HRA than TKR.Yet unexplained pain in HRA is blamed on metal allergy, while no one considers this a viable concept in unsatisfied TKR patients. There seems to be a logical disconnect. Furthermore, most of the 300,000 THR done annually in the US employ a cobalt-chrome head. HRA has been shown to allow higher function than THR. But people are allergic to metal bearings but not metal plastic THR. Again, a logical disconnect.
The only reason to avoid certain metallic implants is if a patient subscribes to this concept and cannot be convinced otherwise. If a patient believes that they are allergic to Nickel, HRA is not possible. THR and TKR implants employing alumina and zirconia ceramic , polyethylene, and Titanium vanadium alloys can be used. How can one be sure that a patient is not also allergic to these? Perhaps a LTT?
Once someone truly believes this superstition, it is hard to convince them with logic. I have no problem respecting this belief and giving a person a non cobalt-chrome containing implant for their primary surgery. But I do have a problem revising a patient who believes their unexplained pain is caused by metal allergy. I have an even bigger problem revising such a patient if a class action settlement is available.
Revision for unexplained pain:
10-20% of patients after joint replacement have residual unexplained pain. If Their joint pain was bad enough before surgery they are still often satisfied with the outcome. 15% of patients with a resurfacing or a standard metal- plastic hip replacement have some fluid collection on MRI. Presence of a small fluid collection and some residual pain is not a good reason for revision surgery. In current orthopedic practice many metal bearings are and most plastic bearings are not revised in this circumstance.
I would generally only recommend revision surgery if a definite correctable cause of failure can be identified. In occasional cases I will explore a hip surgically when I have a suspicion of a rare failure mode.
Unfortunately there are many surgeons who will recommend revisions for any patient with any residual pain if they have a metal bearing device. They will not be operating for a clearly defined cause of failure and will often recommend the surgery for "metal allergy" and then find some "grunge" in the hip joint when they convert the patient to a metal plastic bearing THR. Sometimes they get lucky and the patient gets better, sometimes there are serious complications. The published results for this approach are terrible; but these same surgeons still blame the original metal bearing for causing a "recurrent pseudotumor."
In my view, when surgeons operate without identifying a cause they place their patients at unjustified risk and then have to justify their inappropriate action. This is some of the collateral damage that occurs when a national hysteria develops. Calm, rational thinking is suspended when the media and shady lawyers whip up a storm. Unfortunately many patients get swept up in this, particularly if they are very suggestible or if a large legal settlement is available. I am particularly saddened to see many of my orthopedic colleagues swept up in this nonsense as well.
There are many complexities. There are definitely cases that require revision, there are others that can be observed to see what develops, still others where exploratory surgery can be undertaken if a patient is well-informed and is willing to take the risk. But it is a generally a mistake to revise patients with unexplained pain without clear objective findings.
If you have a problem with your hip resurfacing, get a second opinion from an experienced hip resurfacing surgeon. Be wary of any surgeon who is quick to suggest revision without clearly explaining the cause of failure. Implant allergy is an unproven concept.
Thomas Gross MD 1/9/2015
Thanks for posting. Super informative.
Thanks very much for a super informative post. I found it reassuring , concise and easy to follow. Sometimes explanations get complicated but Dr. Gross certainly clears up alot hear.
Cheers ,
Kiwi Boy Down Under. ::)
Thanks for posting this Pat and glad to hear that your recovery continues as does your good humour!
This is a tremendously thorough, enlightening and encouraging update re-hip resurfacing development. In my research some 6 plus years ago I remember your 2009 interview with Dr Gross and felt he inspired great warmth and confidence. Now 6 years on he continues to search for marginal gains and drive the excellence of hip resurfacing and conservation (cup replacement) possibilities. If I lived over the pond he would be my first choice.
Best Wishes
Toby
Hi,
I was jokingly advised to throw a party for my right hip which celebrates 30 years of challenges this year.
After 21 full marathons with a best time of 2h 51m (1985) 1978-1994 & 4 Arthroscopies 1987-2014 I feel some more major surgery is close.
I have watched with interest the Birmingham Hip since inception & was recently diagnosed with a substantial superior Labral tear via MRI Scan in Oct 2014 post recent Scope in May 2014 (Clean Up & Further FAI reshaping-CAM Lesion).
My question is has anyone had the above Subject Device Operation. The Surgeon I saw
spoke nothing but in glowing terms in relation to the device & rehab.
I was a runner but have not run since 1994 & would love to again, but realise that the above device probably does not have the years of testing yet compaired to the Birmingham Hip.
Regards
Steven
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
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
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.
Quote from: Steven on January 28, 2015, 06:59:16 PM
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 :-)
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............
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.
Ernie, there is no doubt that we both had a great surgeon..........
My legs are a little sore again today, no painkillers so will take one now, having overdone it a little yesterday.
I don't really see any reason why it should be contained to a mile, but I will try to stay sensible and follow the advice I was given. Different surgeons have different protocols. Obviously I've already overdone a mile more than once, and it seems only to make me a bit sore then ok again once recovered.
Regarding one crutch, cane or two ... I notice that whilst I can get around inside the house, and out really, on one crutch, I have been walking in front of a big mirror at home and can see I am leaning over to my good leg even though I don't feel I am limping much. Put two crutches in my hands and I then have the confidence to walk better, and load my operated leg more, albeit with a tiny limp still.
So, if you're getting around fine on the cane, I would ask: how much weight do you lean on the cane? If you're putting any weight at all on it, then I would suspect it means you're limping (if only a little).
I expect a physiotherapist would be best judge though. And, besides, I'm not sure it matters much, since so many hippies here are on the cane after a week or two and it doesn't seem to have had any long term effect on their outcome ... Who knows, maybe it even accelerates recovery to normal gait.
Ultimately, like most things, a personal decision taken under advice from your surgeon, I suppose.
@Ernie & @Comfortably Numb: I encourage you guys to check with Nancy @Dr. Gross' office. When I was there pre-op they told me of someone who "screwed up his hip" because he walked two miles within less than two weeks post surgery. They were beside themselves as to why someone would do that. I wish I'd probed for more info; I'm curious myself.
@Matt: I really think you should only be walking as far as you can where you're NOT sore the next day.
It's repetitive weight bearing and impact (however minor). Is 10 miles okay? 20? There's a limit somewhere. I don't see how more distance is an any way helpful. Check with your doctors and post what they say here, I'd really like to know.
JHippy and others. I just checked with Nancy and this is what she said:
"Our general rule regarding walking is no more than 1.5 total miles per day until after 6 weeks."
This seems to be very reasonable and something I feel comfortable with. I think a lot of that mileage should be devoted to concentrating on proper form, minimal limping, etc.
I'm in agreement JHippy, I am trying to follow my surgeon's advice but "by accident" have overdone it. So, for example, had my wife drop me by the supermarket and thought I'd walk back, it's only a short way. But I put my phone's pedometer app on, and it's telling me it was 900 metres, and I'd already done a couple of hundred metres walking the dog outside in the morning.
Similar thing happened walking over to the golf course for lunch. It's not far I thought, no problem, and then found it was 700 metres each way.
Just easy to over-do it. So I am now being extra cautious to contain my poor judgement and over-confidence!
I hit the 5 week mark yesterday and celebrated by doing some rock climbing (on top rope, of course).
Quote from: ecchastang on May 14, 2015, 01:16:28 PM
I hit the 5 week mark yesterday and celebrated by doing some rock climbing (on top rope, of course).
I think that's fantastic considering where you were a few weeks ago when you were looking for a second opinion! Hell, I think it's fantastic when anyone takes it to the cracks! Not my cup of tea, but I do like to watch.