Patrick’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Gross 2012

DoB 13 Sep 39, Right Hip Resurface, no cement, steel/molybdenum on 17 Oct 12.  By Dr Gross, Columbia, SC,  Age when operated on = 73.  Current age 75.  Back to full range of activity – running, bicycling, skiing, etc. 
 
Developed osteoarthritis, hip mobility limits and pain at age 67 in 2007.  Drs told me I would probably need hip replacement.  I asked when and they told me I would tell them.  I changed cardio activity from running to biking and did more stretching and resistance exercise.  As time passed I was progressively more limited in activity and unable to keep up with my grandchildren.
 
In early 2012 I started researching alternatives and discovered hip resurfacing (HR) and the surface hippy web site.  It appeared to me that HR was probably preferable to Total Hip Replacement (THR) both from an engineering viewpoint and from the many success stories and observation of my contemporaries who had had THR.  My primary concern was the universal statement that HR was the preferable solution for young  active people.  I was still active but not very young.  I consulted with a local hip Dr who only did THR and recommended against HR.  I consulted with two other Drs who did both THR and HR and both recommended against HR because of my age but did not explain why.  Then I consulted with Dr Gross who explained that HR in older patients was a concern because of osteoporosis and the potential failure of the top of the thigh bone.  Dr Gross asked me to get a bone density test of the top of my right thigh bone.  If the bone density was OK he would do an HR.  If not he recommended a THR.  My bone density tested well above normal so Dr Gross did the HR. 

I only had two post op issues.  I had trouble with urination and had to use a catheter for 2 to 3 days.  I had some hallucinations from the narcotics.  All well after 3 days and no other issues.

I followed the prescribed progressive exercise routine and the newly resurfaced hip responded well.  The operation was in Oct 12.  I joined a group of friends going skiing in Feb 13 but after consultation with Dr Gross decided not to ski because of the risk of traumatic shock from a fall.  So I rented snow shoes and hiked up and down the mountain several miles per day in the snow. 

In 2013 I combined stretches, resistance exercises and biking to regain muscle function.  In 2014 I started running again.  Usually on the beach in semi soft sand to minimize the shock effect. 

In 2014 and 2015 I went skiing again.  And now in 2015 I continue with stretching, resistance, biking, running and swimming and keeping up with my grandchildren. 

Now all is well thanks to Surface Hippy and Dr Gross