THR vs BHR

[tdarby@cox.net]

Hi, I’m a 72 yo guy. Very active, mostly tennis. I’m 6’4” and 225 lbs. any opinions out there about a total hip replacement or a resurfacing with the Birmingham system.

[MattFL]

I suspect most people here may be partial to resurfacing, given this is a web site about resurfacing.  But that said, if you're active then resurfacing is definitely worth serious consideration.  Talk to a couple of doctors about your specific situation, some that do full replacement and some that are very experienced in resurfacing.  It's important the resurfacing doctors are very experienced.  I saw 4 doctors myself before making the decision, and learned something new from each one.  I'm a 50 y/o  active male, for me resurfacing was the pretty clear decision.  I'm just now 2 weeks out from surgery so too early to make a final conclusion, but progress has been very good so far. 

[BSarchet]

I think most anyone will tell you that you need to find an experienced orthopedist that specializes in both procedures and consult with one or more of them.  This site has a good list of Dr’s that do both. 

Your frame and activity level probably makes you a good candidate, your age might take away from that as bone density is important.  There are a number of members on here that have had THR and have reported good activity levels still.  Both can be good options.


An experienced surgeon can help you determine which might be best for you, there’s a lot of factors that go into it including what your personal goals are for recovery. 

Good luck and I’m sorry you are going through it.