Jim Turk’s Acetabular Cup Revision of Hip Resurfacing by Dr. Pritchett 2013

My initial resurfacing had an alignment issue, causing noise (audible squeaks, pops, etc.). Over the course of my first 18 months, the situation deteriorated, and I finally got a blood test done. Sure enough, I had very high metal levels. Damn…metalosis! I needed a second surgery on my newly repaired hip.

I consulted with my surgeon (Dr. Pritchett in Seattle), and he was confident that I could get a revision done to my resurfaced hip and get good results. I agonized over whether to go this route or just get a THR. Coincidentally, a good friend of mine was going through the exact same experience at about the same time. Each of us decided to go with a revision, and I’m pleased to report that we both got great results.

About 20 months after my initial resurfacing, I had a new acetabular cup installed (they left the capped femur as is). This repositioned cup totally solved the problem. My rehab went very quickly…I was skiing in 3 months. Today, I am doing nearly everything I was doing before my hip started deteriorating in the first place due to a ski accident. I ski hard…I kitesurf…I mt. bike…I play open level racquetball…I lift weights…I climb. My “new normal” is pretty much what the old normal was before my accident. My metal levels dropped to single digits within 6 months of the revision.

My message to fellow hippies who might not get optimum results in their first resurfacing is this: consider a revision before you let them lop off the head of your femur. Best of luck to all.

Jim Turk