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Questions regarding total hip replacement
Hi, I would appreciate any feedback. My left hip joint is totally collapsed and has been for about 4 years. For some reason, I do not have pain. However, the collapse has left my leg shorter and has forced me to be heavily dependent on a cane. I've seen 4 orthopedic surgeons over the years and have gotten varying suggestions. One said not to get THR because I have no pain. Another said he could do it with anterior approach but it would require a lot of cutting, etc., and probably not be the best result. The third said he uses anterolateral approach but he had never seen a collapsed hip without pain. He said that the surgery would be a success but he didn't think I would be happy with the outcome because of possible damage to already weak muscles. The 4th said that he would do it with a posterior approach (is there only one type of posterior approach?) that he thought would give me the least damage. I'm 65 and would like to again enjoy some active years without a cane. I've read that hip surgeries are among the most successful but I get scared when I read forums. My friends remind me that people who have successful THRs don't usually get into forums because they don't have problems. Is that right? Or is the marketing for THRs not mentioning the infections, etc., that come afterward? And how/why do these infections occur? I want to move on with my life but I don't want to exchange a very inconvenient limp/cane for pain and problems. Am I just being a worrywart or ? Thanks for any thoughts.
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@predictable
Why are your you tube links over 10 years old? Nothing more current to recommend?
About three years ago (when I was 77) had a total left hip replacement. I think it is good that you are researching and seeking opinions from surgeons.
I would suggest the following criteria in your search:
(1) is the surgeon a revision surgeon? A revision surgeon is one who revises the work of others. It is often more difficult and complex so not all hip and knee surgeons do revisions.
(2) Is the surgeon using a minimally invasive methodology? Superpath, STAR, other supercap methods, or at least anterior methodology.
(3) Has the surgeon EXTENSIVE SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE doing what you need to have done? I have an incredible hip/knee surgeon who is the primary inventor of the Superpath method and he has many patents. Yet, despite that, he believes as do I that the most important criteria is this one.
(4) Great hands
(5) Great mind
Finding someone who meets these five criteria for hip surgery will not guarantee a successful outcome. But it will enhance your chances of having a successful outcome. That is what I have done and I have had no pain after the hip replacement and, amazingly, after the knee replacement five weeks ago (I have other criteria for a knee replacement but the same surgeon met all nine of those criteria as well).
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1 Reaction@leslie15: You-Tube is not a major internet resource I use. Predictable.
@leslie15 The post you refer to was written in 2017, when this information was current.
Do you have a specific question we can help answer for you? The members can direct you to something more current.
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1 Reaction@sueinmn
Yes, looking for current info on choosing an option for hip replacement: anterior vs posterior, robot assisted vs not. Getting ready to have surgery but confused about latest statistics (infection rates, recovery differences, how to avoid addional surgeries) My neighbor just had 2 addional surgeries to repair unseated hip replacement.
@leslie15 Hi Leslie -
As you can see from this ongoing discussion about surgical methods:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-anterior-hip-replacement-the-best-type-for-hip-replacement/
Have you seen this link from Mayo Clinics:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/advances-in-hip-and-knee-replacement
Recent studies have shown that all of the approaches have similar success and complication rates. Even though reading here makes it seem like a lot of people have complications from hip replacement surgeries, in fact the rate is around 2% - for any approach - within the first 2 years. People with other health conditions may have higher rates of complication.
Infection rates, on the other hand, depend on a combination of the surgeon's record, the surgical facility record, your own health, and whether you need to go to an after-care facility. These are things to research in selecting a surgeon.
What approach you choose is a collaboration between you and your surgeon. In many cases, it depends on access - to a wide range of surgeons, and facilities with the advanced equipment for robot assisted surgery.
Following your surgeon's and physical therapist's instructions and cautions will prevent many issues like dislocation.
Have you chosen your surgeon yet?
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1 Reaction@sueinmn
Good advice. From what I have seen, the ultimate outcome will be the same but there might be some differences in pain and comfort during the recovery process.
But there can be major differences between surgeons. Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning were chosen 1/2 in the NFL draft the year they came out of college. Manning went on to have what will clearly be a hall of fame career and Ryan Leaf completely failed in the NFL. The same thing can apply to hip/knee surgeons.
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1 Reaction@mamm
I am 2 weeks away from my right hip replacement. My left hip was done 2 years ago. I am now 76. The left hip was easy and I was walking without aid in two weeks. With the right one I was in far more pain and have not improved in the 2 weeks. PT is coming, Taking 2,000 mg of Tylenol, but too much pain to do much.
I cannot put my full weight on my right hip and think I have a nerve problem as I have a burning pain down the front outside of my thigh. Nothing is getting better and I am so discouraged. Follow up appt is in about 10 days. Doubt I will be walking to it.
@leslie15
@leslie15 and @sueinmn and @steveinarizona
Leslie, the preceding comments all have valid points to consider, I'll try not to repeat anything noted by Steve, Sue, and others.
One consideration is how to get information on the success rates of various surgeons and hospitals. To my knowledge statistics (as you might see statistics on sports for example) aren't readily available for surgeons and hospital surgery departments. Feel free to ask, but when I asked statistical data wasn't available, to the public. Feel free to ask your friends for anecdotal information, although anecdotal information may be of limited value. I do believe, however, the hospital quality review and peer review programs confidentially monitor surgeons and hospitals for rates of success, infection, dislocation, and revision. If you ask and get good statistics from the quality assurance department, please let us know, I think the information would be useful, however the amount of information released may be limited.
Best wishes