Harlan Amstutz , MD ??

[ccraver]

Anyone gone to him or have more info? Also how long is the normal wait time for a resurfacing? Are they long waiting lists??

[Pat Walter]

Hi
 
Welcome to Hip Talk.

There are many happy Amstutz hippies.  Although he is getting a little older now, his patients still feel he is one of the best in the world.

This discussion group is still small with just under 300 members, so I don't know if you will get an answer from an Amstutz hippy, but I have several great personal stories posted

http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php#Dr._Amstutz_Hip_Stories_

I don't know his waiting time.  I think a quick call to his office could answer a lot of the questions with good info.

Pat

[Bilatwife]

Dr. Amstutz seems to schedule 6-8 weeks in advance. Typically he operates two days a week.

[blondie]

 Hi my name is Karen and I had a hip resurface with Dr. Amstutz 8.29.06 and he is old, experienced and a fantastic surgeon.  If you want info. post your
questions and i will try to answer them..the noraml waiting period is around 3 months since he does 14 surgeries a week and has hiip resurface clinics around
the US to check up on his patients.   karen

[Pat Walter]

Hi Karen

Welcome to Hip Talk.

It is always great to have an "old pro surface hippy" with us to help others. 

Great to have an Amstutz hippy with more answers for people.

For other people's information, you story is posted here http://www.surfacehippy.info/karenmcnulty.php

Thanks for joining.

Pat - another "old pro surface hippy" 2 years post op on 3/15/06

[GHO]

Wow, a blast from the past!  A friend of mine has a foot injury sooo tonight, combined with boredom, Google and the internet    I looked up Dr. Amstutz, who I had seen for a hip injury almost 12 years ago, and I found this wonderful Forum.  Too bad you weren't around in 1996!


I only saw Amstutz once -- for a very detailed exam -- but I talked to him on the phone a few times.  My case was different, as I am one of the rare few who have an extremely high pain threshold.  Unbeknownst to me, I had shattered part of my hip socket in a car accident, and by the time it was discovered, two weeks later, the bones and tissues were in the process of healing themselves. 

The orthopedic physician who had made the initial discovery referred me to Amstutz, since he was/is known as a premier hip specialist.  It was up to Amstutz to make the decision to perform a hip replacement or not.

His advice was to let it finish healing itself and to replace the hip only if I developed any problems, which I haven't, to this day.  I remember he told me that in a way I was fortunate, because by being able to put weight-bearing pressure and walking on it, the bones were healing very strongly. 

I felt very comfortable with him, because it showed that he was not surgery-happy, eager to wield the knife.  I would definitely go to him again, if the need arises.  But, of course, I hope it doesn't.

[Pat Walter]

Hi GHO

Welcome to Hip Talk.

Dr. Amstutz is certainly one of the best hip resurfacing surgeons in the US.  No doublt about that.  Hip Resurfacing is a much more technical and difficult surgery than a normal THR, so that usually tells you the doctors doing it are much more skilled than regular orthos just doing THRs.

You were really lucky about your hip.  On of the things that helps heal hips after hip resurfacing is to walk, walk and walk.  That is because walking is a weight bearing activity helps to heal bones.  People with a loss of bone density like myself, can increase it by weight bearing activities.

I am glad to hear even more good stories about Dr Amstutz. The wait and see attitude seems a good solution.

Most of the really exprienced hip resurfacing surgeons are not quick to do surgery either.  People often worry that the doctor is doing a hip replacement and it is not needed yet.  I had one hip done and my doctor won't do my other hip becasue it is not bad enough yet. 

I hope you won't need a new hip at all, but if you do - don't forget about hip resurfacing.  It is bone sparing. They don't have to cut a big hunk of your femur off to give you a hip replacement.  A cap is fitted over your femur bone all and a cup is placed in your acetabulum.  So you have the full advantage of a new hip without having your leg sawed off.  YOu can do anything you want after your heal.  Often there are restrictions with a THR.

Good Luck and Thanks for stopping by.

Pat - owner/webmaster of Surface Hippy