Metal on Metal Resurfacing in USA?

[anastacia81]

Hello everyone,

My name is Stacy and I'm in the Metro Atlanta area of Georgia. My husband, 20 years ago, underwent bilateral hip resurfacing MoM with Dr. Thomas Gross with continued great function. Is Metal on metal still available in the U.S.? I am now seeking bilateral hip resurfacing due to stage 2 AVN/Osteonecrosis

Any advice as to doctors who perform MoM resurfacing particularly for a 41 female athlete who wants to remain one.

Thank you!

Stacy

[catfriend]

Dr. Gross performs resurfacing on women, as does Dr. Pritchett. They each use different devices.

[ScubaDuck]

Stacy-

I am sorry to hear you are having to look at these options.

My left hip replacement was 11 years ago with MoM Birmingham device.  It has been great, giving me back my active lifestyle.  I did hear that those devices were not as successful in women or smaller individuals.

Earlier this year I had to address the right hip which they told me was going to need one.  This time Dr. Pritchett (Seattle) told me that he recommends a new device which works much better, especially in smaller men and women.  He did say he can still get the MoM to match my other hip.  After some research I decided to go with this ceramic-titanium device with polyethylene liner. 

I had the surgery last week and the recovery has been much quicker.  I am not sure how much of that is the device and how much are other changes in the procedure.

Best wishes.

Daniel

[anastacia81]

Daniel, thank you so much for your advice and input. It will certainly help me on my journey while I try to figure out what options are available to me. I truly hope your last procedure went well and that you heal soon! Do you have AVN yourself?

I have a consultation coming up with Dr. Gross, but he doesn't take insurance--it's $5000 per hip. I haven't spoken with Dr. Pritchett yet but I am certainly going to call for a consultation. I am also speaking with Dr. Peter Brooks but he seems to object against operating on women with AVN.

[ScubaDuck]

Stacy-

Not AVN, just severe arthritis.  Everyone is surprised I had my first hip replaced at 50.

Recovery is going well.  Today, Day 17, I am able to walk around without a crutch.  I definitely backed off the Tylenol and Advil too soon early but have gotten a good balance now.  Finally had decent sleep the last three nights.

Best wishes,
Daniel

[anastacia81]

Dear Daniel,

I am glad to hear that your recovery is going well. I know how hard it was on my husband during his recovery, and I have had 9 knee surgeries myself. That on top of a pain condition, all I can recommend is to stay ahead of the pain if you can so you can sleep; there is no need to suffer and it is hard to play catch up, as I put it. I pray you continue to get well, and wish you all the best.

After speaking with Dr. Gross, who originally operated on my husband (who will gladly operate on me--but 5K per hip is unfortunately far above my budget), I spoke with Dr. Peter Brooks and he was very helpful. Sadly, the reason why he can't operate on women with AVN for hip resurfacing is for bureaucratic reasons. He referred me to a Dr. Michael Mont in Baltimore... so we'll see how that goes.

Anyway, thank you for the encouragement and the help; I will keep you all posted and hope that everyone enjoys their Holiday and has a Happy New Year!

<3
Stacy

[Pat Walter]

Most BHR Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgeons can't do surgery for women or small men is because Smith & Nephew, the manufacturer of the BHR, has withdrawn small sizes and no longer recommends BHR for women and small men.  There are many women and small men with successful hip resurfacings, but they have used the very experienced hip resurfacing surgeons.  Dr. Mont, Dr. Gross, Dr. Pritchett and overseas surgeons still do women and small men if they are good candidates.  So most people have to travel for a hip resurfacing.  Women just don't have the options they use to, but can still have a hip resurfacing.  I had mine BHR done by Dr. De Smet in Belgim in 2006 and never had a problem and it is still going strong.  I am 78 now.  So you have options, but not many. https://surfacehippy.info/hip-resurfacing-doctors-over-1000-hip-resurfacing-surgeries/     Pat

[jwall07]

I just want to clarify one of your comments. Dr. Gross accepted BC/BS insurance for my surgery in 2019.  Here is his webpage about insurance:  https://www.grossortho.com/fees-insurance  . Of course your situation is specific to you.  I hope you find a good solution.  As a 64 YO female, I am glad I am 5’9” and was able to get the hip resurfacing, even if my recovery was slow paced as I worked on my bone health simultaneously.  I just don’t want others coming to this forum to think Dr. Gross doesn’t take any insurance at all.

[Nezzy]

Dr. Gross also accepted my United Healthcare insurance December 2022 (8 weeks ago). @ 8 weeks I'm feeling pretty good and two more weeks and I'll be off my cane (on slow recovery plan - Male 51).

[imgetinold]

Hi Stacy,


As many have noted, Dr. Gross still operates on women, and he is one of the best there is.  Plus it's only about a 3 hour drive for you.  I, too, am in the Atlanta area (Suwanee).  If you go down that route, I'm happy to let you borrow the equipment you need (Polar ice machine, raised toilet seat) to save a few hundred bucks.


Andy