How well or is it even possible to have hip resurfacing done after a femoral neck fracture? I was told by my orthopedic doctor no way. But didn't Floyd Landis receive one after a pretty major femoral neck fracture? He's racing his bike again at a world class level.
I had a Garden 4 femoral neck fracture last August. It was repaired with 3 screws, but my leg is now 1 1/4" shorter, & it still hurts like crazy. Something will need to be done. I cant remain like this forever. I'm only 46 and very active.
Tim,
Floyd suffered a fracture of the hip that displaced his femoral head, that was repaired with surgery, years after that the damage caught up with him and he needed a hip replacement which was done with a birmingham hip device.
Much of what you are talking about is based on condition of the femoral head and neck if you can have an HR, it's quite possible to do so but I would only do it with a HR surgeon who has lots of experience. Pat has lots of doctors on her list who have a lot of experience. 1 1/4 inches seems like a lot for a doctor to make up with an HR, but of course I am not a doctor so you should check with one about the length discrepancy.
Chuck
Chuck,
You got a point against you because you're a Steeler's fan. By the way it's sunny and 72 here in San Diego. :D
That aside, yes Floyd's was a displaced neck fracture as was mine. That's what a "Garden 4" type is, displaced. Mine was slightly displaced. There are 4 levels of Garden fractures, with 4 being the worst. I have x-rays of Floyd's fracture & in my professional plumber's opinion it looks worse than mine. I did meet up with Floyd @ the recent Tour of California bike race when it ended here in San Diego. He was busy but said he'd email me to discuss hips.
On the bright side, I am going to see one of the docs on Pat's list who is right here in town. Actually I see him tomorrow, and cant wait for the appointment. I've been patiently waiting for 6 weeks for this appointment. If it turns out a THR is the better option, I'm ok with that. Know Floyd received a BHR gives me hope though that I too may be able to go that route.
I saw Dr. Ball today. Super cool guy! It's too early to say what is the best way to go. Probably a THR he said, because of the length discrepancy. But I've got to wait at least another 6 months before the screws can be removed and see how well the fracture healed. Then we'll know if HR or THR, or wait for AVN to set in & do it then. Maybe up to 5 years down the road.
I liked Dr. Ball alot. I'd like switch over to him if my insurance allows.
Tim,
Hey thanks for that information about the ratings of the garden fractures. Hopefully everything will work out in your favor and it's an HR, not a THR. This is not to say that things won't be good with a large head MOM THR --- DO NOT SETTLE FOR A SMALL HEAD THR!!!! The newer THRs can give you really good service and are almost comparable to a HR so don't worry, you'll still live a very active life even if you won't be rooting for a good football team ;D
It's in the 40s here in Pgh today, home of the 6 superbowl champion Steelers. GO SIXBURGH! ;D
Please keep in touch Tim.
Chuck