Question

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Followup To

Question -
Hi Sharon, I am 39 and it appears that after having Perthes disease as a child, my hip has suddenly decided that its had enough as is giving me intense pain on a daily/hourly basis. The specialist is trying to avoid a THR but I would like to ask your opinion on which material you consider to be the best to use in replacement. At the moment they are talking about injections and bone shaving. Thanks for any advice you can give. Sean

Answer -
Hi Sean

My feelings are that if the pain is affecting your quality of life, ask for the replacement.  The type that lasts the longest and is easiest to replace is the ceramic ball and cup.  It is virtually cementless and from my understanding, the parts pop in and out for easy revisions when necessary.  And at 39, you will need a revision in the future.  I've had three  revisions and they really are not that bad.

I am not familiar with bone shaving and injections, but if that treatment will only buy you a few years here or there, I'd ask for the replacement.

I would also get at least one other opinion on your status before making an ultimate decision.

Sharon Davis



Thank you very much for your reply Sharon. As I didn't think to ask in the first place, could you tell me how active you have managed to be with your replacement hips? The reason I ask is that I drive heavy goods vehicles for a living when I'm well.I was training to be a teacher but 2 years of study were lost when my hip started. I am considering returning to studies if possible but will still need to be active and able to drive the wagons as I am a single parent.

Once again, thank you for your advice.

Best wishes.

Sean

Answer
Hi Again Sean

I am not normally an active person but I have led an essentially normal life.  I toured Europe on my honeymoon, and I had two healthy children and work a full time job.  I do bike ride, and swim.  I am not one to exercise, but many people with hip replacements can do most things except for contact sports.  As long as you do things that are not things like jogging or running, or football, you should be OK, but you do need to ask your orthopedist what excatly you can and can't do.

Best of luck to you.