Birmingham hip resurfacing and surgeon recommendation

bose · August 29, 2010, 10:10:15 PM

I am coming to grips with the fact that hip surgery will be required. I am 54, active with osteoarthritis in my left hip.. Biking exercise and stretching only go so far when there is no cartilage left ( Possibly from bicycling accident many years ago . I always thought it was groin pull that never healed properly.)

I have gone to 2 specialists, one at NYU and the other at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Both have independently said that total hip replacement will be required at some point when I am ready.( which appears to be approaching). I recently heard about the Birmingham Hip resurfacing. I have an appointment to see another specialist at HSS about this towards the end of the month. His name is DR. Friedrick Boettner. Patients at Vitalsigns.com that used him for surgery gave him high marks. I am curious if anyone on this site has used him or heard of him,

The thought of the surgery to be honest scares the hell out of me, but I am coming to grips with the fact that it is quality of life choice right now.. I have 2 kids, ages 9 and 12 that I want to be able to be more active with.

Any thoughts, comments would be greatly appreciated. Consider me a "newbie" to the site.

Buster · August 30, 2010, 08:24:42 AM

I'm your age and active. I had my right hip resurfaced Dec 09 and am doing fine. Find a good doctor, stay in shape for easier recovery and you will be fine. Being able to sleep without pain is great.

jack · August 30, 2010, 12:27:44 PM

Quote from: bose on August 29, 2010, 10:10:15 PM
I have gone to 2 specialists, one at NYU and the other at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC.

If you are close to NYC you should see Dr. Su. One of the best in the world.

http://www.surfacehippy.info/listofdoctors.php

sheptr · August 30, 2010, 01:39:59 PM

I went to the HSS for Dr. Su. Extremely satisfied with the results of the BHR. Dr. Su put me at ease and instilled confidence in me, as did his PA Blaire. Actually, his entire staff was great. I had the surgery Dec 31, 2009. Was in the HSS over the holiday weekend, don't think I would do that again, due to holiday staffing. Highy recommend!
Todd

bose · August 30, 2010, 02:03:52 PM

thanks for the responses... How long was the actual surgery ?

any one of any comments on the negative reports regarding in general , the metal on metal hip resurfacing ?

Gino · August 30, 2010, 07:32:40 PM

I'm 54, sons 12 and 16 in hockey and I want to skate again with them. Heck, I want to be able to tie my own shoes again! After research here, I had the right hip resurfaced BHR in Rochester NY by Dr. Drinkwater on 6/23. Left one coming up 10/27, can't wait. Surgery took 1 hr 20 mins. In on Wednesday, home on Saturday. You have Dr. Su right there. Just DO IT. DON'T go total, you're too young. Metal on metal is the way to go. Good luck!

sheptr · August 31, 2010, 11:35:25 AM

I was in for 2 hours. Wish I hadn't waited as long as I did to have it done.
Worse time getting my wisdom teeth out recently. Honestly. 2 days you will be itching to get out of the hospital. Choose an experienced surgeon (can't go wrong with Dr. Su)
and get it done.