synovial osteochondramatosis of hip

[Gwen]

Hi everyone. Was wondering if anyone has had or has this problem in hip joint. The doctor tells me that I have to have major hip surgery to fix the problem however even with surgery may still be in pain as arthritis is developing in hip. Not sure if I should go ahead and agree to have surgery or just wait awhile. He also told me that in the future I will need a total hip replacement. Im in my mid fourties at this time and just unsure what to think of all this. Could anyone shed some light on this situation and share their experiences and thoughts on this? Thanks very much
Gwen

[cwphysio]

Hi Gwen,
I was diagnosed 8 years ago by my OS (Orthopaedic Surgeon) and had a hip arthroscopy. It does not fix the condition but it makes life much more comfortable. I was able to continue playing outdoor soccer and maintain the hip mobility via stretches, self mobilisation, strengthening and core work. Interestingly though I was told my hip articular cartilage was in pristine condition therefore no OA (OsteoArthritis) was noted. If you live in Sydney my OS is Dr. James Sullivan (Parramatta). Unfortunately I am possibly due for another arthroscopy for a clean out, I feel this may delay OA or retard it at least.
Regards Chris

[Gwen]

Just a quick question Chris. At the time of surgery had arthritis started to develop in your hip? See this is my concern as I have arthritis starting. Dont know if I should have arthroscopy cause surgeon said it might not improve the pain. He also told me I need a hip replacement in future so debating whether I should have arthroscopy or try to hold off for hip replacement.
Thanks for responding
Gwen

[Gwen]

Forgot to mention Chris that I live in Canada and my surgeon is in Ontario

[cwphysio]

Hi Gwen,
There was no arthritis found on my pre-operative MRI scan. The loose bodies that the synovial membrane produces was interfering with mobility and therefore causing pain. Minimal to moderate arthritic changes upon radiological finding may or may not be the source of your current symptoms. There is a moderate correlation between symptoms and radiological findings. The hip arthroscopy will be both therapeutic and investigative and will give the surgeon a more conclusive status of your hip joint. I believe your best option is hip arthroscopy at this stage and delay THR (Total Hip Replacement) as long as you can. The scope did improve my pain levels but not totally.
Regards Chris

[Gwen]

Thanks Chris for your input...you have definitely given me something to think about. Maybe I would get some pain relief from hip arthroscopy for a few years before total hip replacement. However surgeon did tell me that I would need major surgery as cluster was big. He said I would need a 6-8" incision. Maybe that would be a big hurdle to get over.I do go see him on Nov. 17th for next appt. The one thing I forgot to mention is I had an ankle fusion on June 8 of this year and am still recovering from it. It is on the same side as hip problem. That may also be a big factor in deciding what to do with hip. Im sure this surgeon will help me figure it out. He is supposed to be the best for hip problems in Canada. Thanks again Chris
Gwen

[Mischap123]

Hi,
Not that I have this condition but if I was put in your position, I'd go for the "not so big" surgery now to try and get some relief. Obviously your condition will progress faster than most as you've had the ankle fusion, but leaving it for later will just complicate things. Best of luck.