I had a BMHR 4 weeks ago. The operation was broadcast live
to the States as interactive training for 100 surgeons, so
hopefully it is intended to be available elsewhere too,
though when we don’t know, as it’s still in the early trial
stage.

I was born with CHD ..my femoral head was very soft because
it wasn’t in the socket, hadn’t been weight bearing and had
lost some of its calcium. So I wasn’t suitable for a BHR but
did feel lucky to get a BMHR instead (with a dysplasia cup),
because if I had gone anywhere else it would have been a THR.

Everything is going really well and I can’t believe the
difference it has made to me. But I’m very aware it’s only
been around 2 years so trying to be careful, doing the
exercises and walking. I’m fully weight bearing on 2
crutches for the first 6 weeks. Then it’s 2 sticks for
another 4 weeks and gradually wean onto 1 stick.

Sue
UK
LBMHR 15/12/06 McMinn

Tue Jan 16, 2007 2:14 pm

When I had my first consultation with Mr McMinn he very
briefly explained about the BMHR and how it worked but
mainly we talked about the BHR as we thought I would be
suitable for this. As you probably know it’s difficult to
see from an x-ray what the bone quality is like and we hoped
(or at least I did!!) that it would be OK. So when I was in
hospital I was so relieved that I’d been
given the BMHR and not a THR that I didn’t really give it
that much thought with everything else going on too. I have
just assumed it is as good as a BHR and have been given the
same exercises and rules so far.

My follow-up with Mr McMinn is on 23rd Feb, I have lots of
questions now, including how activities compare to a BHR and
if you have any specific questions let me know. I know you
said you have hip deformity my femoral head was a strange
shape. He put a template of the BHR/BMHR over the x-ray to
determine whether I was suitable or not.

I live just a 2 hour drive from his centre and the hospital,
but believe people come from all over the world to see him.
He advises all patients who are going on a long haul flight
following surgery to stay in the UK for a further week
following discharge from hospital. So I’m sure you will not
have a problem there.

Sue

Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:16 pm

Hi Gary

I am sorry to hear you MAY not be suitable for a BHR I know
how this feels. I was told I would `probably’ be having a
BHR but if not it would be either a BMHR or a THR.

I have not actually received all the paperwork yet for the
costs!! But to give you an idea …….if you pay for a BHR
yourself his website states (FAQ section) £11955. I was JUST
told that my insurance company would pay for the operation
but there would be a small shortfall to cover Mr McMinns
fees (£1700). I didn’t have any problems with my insurance
company over the procedure, I understand the McMinn Centre
deal with them all the time and they are familiar with the
operation and his setup. I initially had to give them the
procedure code for the BHR and then the hospital rang them
up after my operation with a different code for the BMHR. I
was in hospital for a total of 6 nights.

It was surprising when I was told I could be full weight
bearing and I did question it a couple of times to be sure.
But so pleased as it makes life a lot easier I imagine.

If there is anything else you would like to know please ask.

Sue