Total Hip Replacement

[MichaelF]

Just some info in relation to hip pain. After years of pain, I was finally diagnosed by my G.P?? then confirmed by MRI that I had a laberal tear on the left side. Symptons included acute pain in areas such as buttocks, inner groin area, front of leg down to knee and sometimes in the back. The pain seemed to radiate from one area to another. Physio and Osteo did little to releive the pain.

I underwent a hip arthroscopy in August 2005 which fixed the laberal tear but the pain remained. While undergoing the arthroscopy, the surgeon found high deposits of crystal in the hip (Gout), a very unusal place to have it, but probably the source of some of the pain. This (gout) was not diagnosed until the arthroscopy!! This is something to consider for those who cannot get a diagnosis for their hip / groin pain. Anything can cause it, not just alcohol, probably more so types of food and your metablism.

Because of several factors including the laberal tear and a heavy weight bearing work belt (7kg), further tests etc showed the hip beyond repair. Last week I underwent surgery in Melbourne (Dr. Craig Mills) and had a total left hip replacement. This is quite unusal for someone my age (35), but the hip may last up to 25 years, although some adjustment may be needed in years to come. The replacement was ceramic with a titanium rod.

I was hospitalised for 7 days, and am now walking with the aid of one crutch and will probably be free of that next week. The pain level and recovery time is unbelievable. I have been told that the procedure used is relatively new and Mr Mills is one of only a few that use it? but cannot confirm this. The cut / scar on my hip is less then 7cm!!!

Overall, the pain is receding quickly and I am more then happy with the outcome and should be back to normal mobility within a few months.

[goobery]

Hi MichaelF, whilst reading your thread I noticed how similar your situation sounds to mine. I have a laberal tear and have undergone an arthroscopy.

I am very interested to know how you have recovered after you surgery. I need to have a THR done and my current surgeon is reluctant to give me one as I am only 31, however I cannot put up with this pain much longer.
The surgeon you mentioned Dr. Craig Mills, was he good? I am in the process of finding surgeons for a second opinion.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[Vixen]

Interesting story MF 35 for a full replacement is tough, let us know how it progresses.

[Hekate01]

I'm looking at one now at 32 yrs old.

[Rayray]

Hi Michael,

Really good to hear your story and that hip replacements are possible in the under fifties (even under forties). Keep us posted.

[darren melton]

Just some info in relation to hip pain. After years of pain, I was finally diagnosed by my G.P?? then confirmed by MRI that I had a laberal tear on the left side. Symptons included acute pain in areas such as buttocks, inner groin area, front of leg down to knee and sometimes in the back. The pain seemed to radiate from one area to another. Physio and Osteo did little to releive the pain.

I underwent a hip arthroscopy in August 2005 which fixed the laberal tear but the pain remained. While undergoing the arthroscopy, the surgeon found high deposits of crystal in the hip (Gout), a very unusal place to have it, but probably the source of some of the pain. This (gout) was not diagnosed until the arthroscopy!! This is something to consider for those who cannot get a diagnosis for their hip / groin pain. Anything can cause it, not just alcohol, probably more so types of food and your metablism.

Because of several factors including the laberal tear and a heavy weight bearing work belt (7kg), further tests etc showed the hip beyond repair. Last week I underwent surgery in Melbourne (Dr. Craig Mills) and had a total left hip replacement. This is quite unusal for someone my age (35), but the hip may last up to 25 years, although some adjustment may be needed in years to come. The replacement was ceramic with a titanium rod.

I was hospitalised for 7 days, and am now walking with the aid of one crutch and will probably be free of that next week. The pain level and recovery time is unbelievable. I have been told that the procedure used is relatively new and Mr Mills is one of only a few that use it? but cannot confirm this. The cut / scar on my hip is less then 7cm!!!

Overall, the pain is receding quickly and I am more then happy with the outcome and should be back to normal mobility within a few months.

g8 to see you are feeling much better just curious at your young age why a resurfacing wasnt a option:confused::

[ace16]

Hi Michael, thank you for sharing your experience.
I am 29 and found out today my left hip is also worn badly and will be looking at a replacement within the next 12 months.
Advice I have received is to always get a second opinion, I will look up the surgeon you used.
It is daunting/worrying for me to learn of this, however it does ease my concern reading someone else's positive attitude towards there experience.

Keep us updated with you recovery progress.

Wishing you a speedy recovery,

Brad

[KarenS]

Hi Michael,
It's great to hear that other people that are in there 30's are having good success with full hip replacements. I am 30 and going in on the 22nd of October for a full hip replacement at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, and I can tell you I am so nervous about it, I have been waiting for this since I was 14 for I had titanium pins put into my hip when I was 12 and the doctor that did it put them through my blood supply and that caused a vascular necrosis of my hip and was told when I get older I will need a hip replacement. So the time is hear 16 years later, but I can't wait so I can play properly with my 3 beautiful daughters.

It would be great if you could tell me how your out come has been.

KarenS

[dreamwalker]

My surgeon in Missouri does hip replacements through a short incision, probably about the length of your scar. Hope your recovery continues to go so well.