UK Surgeon

[willsie01]

Hi,

Because of AVN I had a RH BHR in 2000 & LH BHR in 2004.
Both done by Mr Sewell (now retired) in Huntingdon, UK.
BTW I live in St Albans, Herts, UK.
After many years with no problems it looks like I'm heading for a revision on at least the left side.
I want to make sure that I am offered the best solution for me so would like advice on the best surgeons to go to to get this.
I am prepared to become a medical tourist although only if the quality of the advice would be equal (or better!) than the UK.

Regards,

John

[Dannywayoflife]

John I'd be looking to go and see one of the following.
Derrick McMinn, Ronan Treacy, John O'Hara or Jeremy Latham. My choice would be Ronan Treacy as he works on the NHS and has the largest experience in terms of number.

[willsie01]

Thank you for the info 

[Dannywayoflife]

Feel free to ping me a pm mate

[toby]

Hi John,
I'm a fellow UK hippy like Danny. My close friend also had his hip resurfaced by Mr Sewell  8 years ago and going strong, so I was particularly interested in reading your post as I haven't heard his name mentioned on any of the forums. I know Mr Sewell was a great advocate of HR from the early days, I also know he performed an extremely complex surgery on my friend's son which was incredibly successful.
John, I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems, but what are the symptoms/reasons as to why you anticipate a revision? Also, have you private cover or will you using the NHS? This will help in making any suggestions.
Regards
Toby

[willsie01]

Hi,

I know it's a long time since I started this thread but if anyone reads this I'd welcome input.
I took the advice of Dannywayoflife and booked an appointment with Ronan Treacy.
He advised me at the time not to let anyone revise my hips as he could see nothing wrong with them after examining images.
He also said that if there was the slightest loosening of the implants the pain would be great even just getting out of bed and that wasn't the case. He suggested getting my back looked at. Long story made short: I have spinal stenosis and my walking has got progressively worse from the perspective that it now affects my right leg as well and after only about 5 minutes. I have been monitored by the spinal consultant all these years and as it is now severe enough I am on the verge of a spinal decompression to relieve pressure around the nerve bundle in my spine. However, as a final sanity check my surgeon is sending me for MRI's on both hips as he is surprised that the degree of stenosis I have is enough to cause the symptoms it does. So I've come full circle and possibly facing hip revisions but after 14 & 18 years.

So my original question from 2014 is again applicable: about best surgeon to go to (and hopefully be treated on the NHS) and also any information on the best THR devices available today. I want to stay active so what's robust and up to a bit of stress?

[jimbone]

Can't answer your questions- I'm a Yank- but do respect your perseverance.  You've got some great surgeons and pioneers on your side of the pond- hoping you find the right doctor and solution.

[willsie01]

Hi John,
I'm a fellow UK hippy like Danny. My close friend also had his hip resurfaced by Mr Sewell  8 years ago and going strong, so I was particularly interested in reading your post as I haven't heard his name mentioned on any of the forums. I know Mr Sewell was a great advocate of HR from the early days, I also know he performed an extremely complex surgery on my friend's son which was incredibly successful.
John, I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems, but what are the symptoms/reasons as to why you anticipate a revision? Also, have you private cover or will you using the NHS? This will help in making any suggestions.
Regards
Toby

Hi Toby,

I missed your reply all those years ago so apologies for that.

The reason for me posing that question all those years ago was that I had developed walking problems, in terms of endurance.
Initially, when I first posted, after 50 minutes walking my left leg seized with pain. Just recently this has developed so I get pain in the right leg before this happens.
Because they found I also have spinal stenosis, which many get with age, there has been a continual bouncing back and forth between the back and hip specialists. After all this time I'm still at the stage where there not sure what the problem is. May be the hips. May be the back.
Anyway, I came to this forum inquiring about revisions because I read an article by Derek McMinn where he states that he doesn't consider patients with AVN good candidates for BHR's. The chances of remaining bone stock being sound is much slimmer apparently. Obviously, Mr Sewell didn't share this point of view because he did both my hips! I did like Mr Sewell although he was a bit quirky: wore odd, coloured socks. When I asked him why he said it was to put his patients at ease! Odd!
Although I paid for my first BHR, as it wasn't available on the NHS in 2000, by 2004 when my other hip was done it was and although I had gone back to Mt Sewell privately as I didn't know this, he kindly told me not to waste my money and booked me in to the local NHS unit.
I've now found hpw to be notified if anyone responds to this email so I hope this reply is seen by you