Criteria For Hip Resurfacing Eligibility

[EricEng]

Howdy folks,


I am a young (31 years of age), active individual (enjoys working out, swinging the golf club and chasing the next generation of family members around  :D). I have not actually been formally diagnosed with having hip osteoarthritis. I have had hip scopes done on both hips (left side: hip impingement/FAI surgery with a partial labral reconstruction and a microfracture. Right side: hip impingement/FAI surgery with just the microfracture). After having my left side done I continue to have front hip pain (dull aching) after and sometimes during increased activity levels (golfing, weight training to name a few).

I don't have any real issues not performing tasks just mostly in pain. Some days are better than others with no real pain and I don't notice much at all. And other days my left hip in particular flares up, sometimes to the point of bending down can hurt. I am thinking because of having FAI that I am dealing this hip OA at this point, although I really haven't been formally diagnosed with having hip OA.

My question is, what is the criteria that needs to be met for someone to really be a good candidate to have their hip resurfaced (obviously hip OA). In other words, theoretically if I went to hip resurfacing surgeon with this case they wouldn't necessarily I am a good candidate because I feel like a lot of people are in worse situations than me regarding their hip pain. Ultimately I don't necessarily want to wait till daily tasks get difficult if I can help it. But I also don't want to do things prematurely if I still have a little life left in my hip as well if that all makes sense.

Thank you for your time. 

[Pat Walter]

Hi Eric
Since you had FAI surgery and pain, the only way to know if you are a candidate is to do a free email consultation with a hip resurfacing surgeon.  Many do free email consultations.  Dr. Gross does a lot of FAI cases as well as other surgeons.  There is no way to tell without having a surgeon look at your x-rays.  Some people have very degenerated hips and little pain, while others are not as bad, but have a lot of pain.  Pain is not the only factor to be considered.  Sometimes people can wait too long and lose the window of opportunity for a hip resurfacing.  I definitely suggest getting a consultation either by email or real visit to a hip resurfacing surgeon.  https://surfacehippy.info/hip-resurfacing-doctors-over-1000-hip-resurfacing-surgeries/     Pat

[HippyDogwood]

Just to add that some surgeons will not resurface after you've had micro fracture and FAI removal as they feel it can increase chances of neck fracture. I had that treatment plus stem cell about 10 years before being rejected, so worth asking the general question of any surgeon before you spend the $$ to see them as it could avoid a very quick conversation. That aside, no harm finding a surgeon you feel comfortable with and getting their advice - most will say you will "know" when the time is right and things can change quickly, so you have a plan. I'm in the UK and MatOrtho recerf ceramic has not been cleared yet but that's something you might look into too. Also be aware FAI often returns.

[EricEng]

Just to add that some surgeons will not resurface after you've had micro fracture and FAI removal as they feel it can increase chances of neck fracture. I had that treatment plus stem cell about 10 years before being rejected, so worth asking the general question of any surgeon before you spend the $$ to see them as it could avoid a very quick conversation. That aside, no harm finding a surgeon you feel comfortable with and getting their advice - most will say you will "know" when the time is right and things can change quickly, so you have a plan. I'm in the UK and MatOrtho recerf ceramic has not been cleared yet but that's something you might look into too. Also be aware FAI often returns.

So you had a microfracture and got turned down for hip resurfacing? Or, did you find someone that would resurface you?

[HippyDogwood]

So you had a microfracture and got turned down for hip resurfacing? Or, did you find someone that would resurface you?

A lot of surgeons here in the UK no longer re-surface for patients older than 50. That aside, the one I saw who is one of the most experienced said he would not have taken me on even if I was younger as he does not like to resurface when the patient has had microfracture, FAI removal and general work done which might compromise the strength of the femoral neck. Ultimately I went with THR and am happy how that's gone, but if I was a bit younger I'd have probably checked out the approach of other surgeons and would certainly be looking into ReCerf. Always good to have a plan of action, even if you decide to hold off as things can change quickly.

[dannythebeerman]

checked your profile btw who did your procedure, and where you located?

[MattFL]

Definitely talk to a surgeon or two regarding whether you're a candidate from a medical perspective  As for WHEN to do it, the doctors I saw said pretty much it was up to me, but that I would know.  And sure enough, eventually the pain got to where I just couldn't take it anymore; couldn't sit, couldn't stand, couldn't sleep, even when eating prescription anti-inflammatories like M&M's.  Everyone's tolerance is different, but you will hit a point where your quality of life becomes such that the choice to move forward is clear.