concern about metal ions and revision after resurfacing

[cap]

I am just beginning to research hip resurfacing after seeing Dr. Su at HSS. My biggest concerns are:1. What are the long term effects of the metal ions in the body and 2. When a revision is necessary after the resurfacing, is metal on metal the only option for a THR? Does anyone have any answers out there?

[Pat Walter]

Hi
Dr. Su has a lot of happy hip resurfacing patients. You can check out a few of his patients stories towards the bottom of this page http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php

Here are 4 articles about the metal ion issue.
]http://www.surfacehippy.info/metalioninformation.php]

To most surface hippies, the metal ion issue is really a non-issue. We have read the studies and feel it is not a problem. Most of the hip resurfacing doctors will also explain that it is not really a problem.  Be sure to ask your doctor what he/she thinks about the issue.

There are several types of THR's that are not the same metal that is in a BHR or normal MOM.  There are ceramic on ceramic which are the large ball devices.  There are also many small ball metal/plastic devices which you would not normally want.  The small pieces of plastic break away and cause bone problems plus the small head makes dislocation very easy.

Here is an article about the types of hips http://www.hipsforyou.com/totalhipreplacement.php from my other website. And specific info from a few of the manufacturers  http://www.hipsforyou.com/hipdevices.php  Here is a great article about choosing a THR device  http://www.hipsforyou.com/choosinghipandsurgeon.php

I hope that answers a few of your questions. Be sure to make a list of questions to ask Dr. Su when you visit with him.  Here is a list of questions many people ask  http://www.surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php

Good Luck with your appoinment with Dr. Su.  Keep in touch.

Pat in Ohio
3/15/06 LBHR De Smet

[cap]

Wow, thanks. I just discovered your site last night and I'm amazed at how many people are in the same boat. I've never met anyone with hip issues similar to mine. I will look at these links. thanks.