Hi there, I am new to surface hippy and wondered if there was anyone out there who has had a long-standing hip fusion. Mine was arthrodesed at the age of 1, due to osteomyelitis. I am female and just turned 52, and having many problems with spine. I am desperately seeking a total hip replacement, but have had many "top" surgeons refuse to unpick hip. I have never met anyone who has or had a fused hip, as I am discovering we are a rare "breed" and it would be very interesting to have communications and share stories. Am hoping I might be able to see a Mr O'Hara in Birmingham, but there is a long waiting list.  Looking forward to a reply. Ps. I live in England.

Welcome to the site, we'll try to help you out.

There are several excellent resurfacing surgeons ont the list that Pat keeps that will accept questions, you might send them your particulars and see what their thoughts are.

Hi and welcome! Mr O'Hara is an excellent choice and well worth the wait! There are many of the best hip surgeons in the world based in Birmingham.

Danny

Best of luck with your appointment with Mr O'Hara.

I really hope they don't keep you waiting too long.

Mr O'Hara is very experienced and also deals with unusual and complex bone formations.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham is wonderful and you will be looked after very well.

I hope you'll be able to let us know how things progress for you.

You have probably seen Mr O'Hara's site, but just in case you haven't, go to

www.the-hip-clinic.com and have a read through his patients' stories.

I remember one or two patients that had fused hips and did have hip resurfacing.  The problem is I have read thousands of stories since 2005 and can't remember who.  I remember their recovery was very slow since they had fused hips for years.

You can email to Dr. De Smet of Belgium with a copy of your x-rays in a digital format and get a free consultation.  There are US surgeons, but since you are overseas you might as well stick with surgeons near you.  Dr. De Smet is also one of the best surgeons in the world.

Good Luck.

Pat