Re: My OS discouraging me from resurfacing

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm trying to get my resurfacing squared away too. One persuasive argument

you might use concerns your age (I am 39 too): You are young enough that a

revision operation will be needed, so that assuming average wear and tear,

you will need 3 - 4 THRs in your lifetime. THR is notoriously destructive

of bone in the femur and later revisions have a notably higher failure

rate. Data from the UK shows that a metal on metal should last at least 10

(if not 20) years and while there might be more bone loss in the acetabulum

(I'm not sure of this, but will assume it is so for the argument!) the

conservation of bone in the femur is sufficient to allow for a nicely

successful THR later, should that be required.

I was also quoted the 1.5% dislocation rate for THR, but not that this

comes with a ban on many activities normal for your age. Metal on metal has

far fewer restrictions and even at that, a much lower rate of dislocation.

The truth is you are young and will unconsciously do things the put you at

risk with a THR (like reaching over too far to get something off the floor,

carrying a kid, etc.)

Just my $.02

Jeff

On 09/27/2000 11:29:46 AM rasa900858wrote:

>Hi all. I've been on the " Hippie Board " a few months, and have

>gathered much information. Have started to read this board and

>appreciate all the shared info.

>

>Spoke with my OS last night to tell him the news of my cancellation

>for THR this Nov., and the resurfacing I'm facing in Jan. (w/ Dr.

>Sparling). He discouraged me from the resurfacing, and said he

>wouldn't have his wife do it. I didn't expect him to agree with my

>decision, though he was very professional and kind. He is a top-

>rated doctor, and I was hoping he'd " come to bat " for me. His

>concerns, I feel, are based on the old data of the 70's. They are:

>

>1. More bone taken out when installing the cup.

>2. No track record.

>3. The fixation of the stem isn't as durable.

>4. All the doctors out there on the cutting edge of technology are

>not even considering hip resurfacing. It's not brought up at

>seminars, etc., just new THR technology.

>

>His preference for THR is metal/crosslinked poly, and feels this is

>the best device for young people (I'm 39). Point #1 was addressed

>here the other day, and I agree w/ the answer. Point #2 - well, I'd

>rather be a pioneer for the Conserve Plus than going out on the

>Oregon Trail! Point #3 - I don't know; will have to talk with Dr.

>Sparling about it. Point #4 - My opinion is that after the failure

>rate of the 70's, everyone is ignoring this as viable for right now,

>and looking into better performance of the " known successful THR's " .

>He agreed that resurfacing will give me better range of motion. He

>also said the dislocation rate for standard THR is 1.5 %, so I really

>shouln't be concerned about it. Any thoughts about this, or what

>info I should present to the insurance comp. on appeal, once they

>deny my operation? Thanks.

>

>colleen

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