Resurfacing or THA as a treatment for labral tears and early arthritis?

[Desert Tortoise]

Hi Folks,

My labrums are shredded bilaterally, with FAI, coxa profunda and some very early arthritis.  Since the prognosis for labral repair is so poor (at the age of 55), and because my ability to move is severely limited now, I am looking for a solution that will allow me to get back on my feet, and preferably back to running and walking long distances.  (CrossFit as well.)  It seems like it's going to be an uphill battle to get my insurance to approve even a THA, much less resurfacing.  Has anyone else been through this?  What have you done, and how have things worked out for you?  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks much,
Kim

[Alex]

Hi Kim,

I guess a good first step would be to figure out whether some of the top resurfacing docs think that you are a good candidate (or whether they think you should try something less drastic if you have little arthritis).

You can get a free consult, for instance, from Dr. Gross or Dr. de Smet by sending them your most recent x-rays and/or MRI sequence. Their info is on this website.

I had a similar situation where the data suggest relatively poor outcomes of arthroscopy (FAI, labral tear + moderate to advanced arthritis). The decision was tricky because buying some time at my age (34) would have been nice.. in the end I decided against the arthroscopy and scheduled a resurfacing. I just was not convinced by the combination of long recovery and uncertain outcome of the labral repair.

Like you said, I also just want to get back to being active :)

I can tell you more about how it went in a couple of weeks!

Good luck and best wishes,
Alex

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks, Alex.  Dr. De Smet has been positive, Pritchett negative.  I’m still waiting to hear from a couple of others in the US, including Dr. Gross.  I expect I’m going to have a helluva fight with my insurance, even though one or two surgeries are probably cheaper than 3 or 4!  I’d love to be able to see Dr. De Smet, but funding is a major problem.  Fingers crossed!  I look forward to hearing how everything goes for you! :)

Kim

[jimbone]

Kim-

Can you be more specific regarding Dr. Pritchett?  I have a friend who needs a THR and sill be consulting with him soon.

Thanks.

[Desert Tortoise]

I have sent you a detailed PM.

Good luck!

K

[imgetinold]

I'm a two-time Dr. Gross hippy, so I'm a bit biased.  But, he's one of the few who will still perform resurfacing on women.  He's the best.

As for insurance, Dr. Gross is pretty good at getting them to pay.  That said, he doesn't accept most insurance.  It's all available on his website right here:  https://grossortho.com/fees-insurance.


Good luck.