Question

Sharon:  I am a 71 yr old female.  I had a thr about 18 yrs ago.  yes, I know that is a long time but I feel blessed that it has lasted as long as it has.  I have been to a Dr. and from the xrays he says that the lower part of the protheses in my thigh is moving and could do damage to my leg.  I know I am going to have to do this.  My question.  He saud he would only have to replace the lower part of the protheses
I have osetoporosis pretty bad.  What are the odds of the surgery being a success with a person like me.  Other than osteoporosis, I had seizures when I was much younger, am free of seizure but I take the medicine.  Other than those two things my health is pretty good.  I have no heart probloems, no hight blood pressure, etc.  I don't mind telling you that reading about this procedure is enough to scare me to death.  Another question, where wold I find the ansolute best doctor.  Thanks,  Betty Westmoreland

Answer
Betty

Congratulations for your THR lasting so long!  You are very lucky.

The worst case scenario I see is that if put this off too long, and god forbid you fall, you could do some real damage to yourself.  If you are in good shape, and it certainly sounds that way, you should come through the surgery with flying colors.

There are three places I would suggest for you to go. Two are in NYC and the third is in Arlington Virgina.  Dr. Douglas Padgett works out of either the Hospital of Bone and Joint Disease, or the Hospital of Special Surgery in NYC.  Either hospital is good and I have heard that Dr. Padgett is the best.

I was referred to the Anderson Clinic in Arlington VA to Dr. Charles Engh for one of the more difficult surgeries I had to have.  Any one of the above three hospitals are the best as far as I am concerned.  There may be other hospitals that are also good, but I only know first hand about these.

Best of luck to you.