Resurfing women over a certain age

[Guest guest]

I received word today from Dr. De Smet that he successfully resurfed a

friend of mine - she is 76 years old and her bones were still good

enough for a BHR. Here in BC they wouldn't even discuss resurfing

with her. She is scheduled to have her second hip done in mid-June.

I know a number of women in Canada have been told once they are over

50 or 55 they can forget it - the doctors won't even consider you for

resurfing. I know they are looking for good results here in BC and

that's fine, but if you are Canadian and an woman of a certain age and

want resurfacing don't just take no for an answer. Get a bone

density test and get a second opinion. You may have options.

And remember that it is likely that your bone density in the hip will

increase after surgery so if you are borderline don't take no for an

answer.

Pamela

lbhr De Smet Oct 23/02

[Guest guest]

Pamela...I'm 51 and pre-surgery....I'm very concerned about this

age/bone density issue. I've been discussing this lately on these

boards...I have decided to start taking Fosomax just in case. I've

not had a bone scan but I had a free heel screening that turned up

osteopenia....AHH! Don't know how reliable that test is. My MRI

looked good but I don't even know if you can tell bone density from

that??!! I have protrusio acetabulum, or " Otto Pelvis " ...the two

other people that I found on these boards who have this same problem

both had resurf's but were in their mid-40's. I think I will have to

travel to Europe anyway because I'm slightly complicated due to the

nature of my problem. I will require a special Birmingham cup and

possibly bone grafting to build out the acetabulum. I now live in

Memphis, TN. I have been pretty darn active my whole life

though...tons of daily walking ...many years of aeorobics...and I'm

not overweight at all. I hope that will pay off. Thank you for your

words of optimism and encouragement. Susie

> I received word today from Dr. De Smet that he successfully

resurfed a

> friend of mine - she is 76 years old and her bones were still good

> enough for a BHR. Here in BC they wouldn't even discuss resurfing

> with her. She is scheduled to have her second hip done in mid-

June.

> I know a number of women in Canada have been told once they are

over

> 50 or 55 they can forget it - the doctors won't even consider you

for

> resurfing. I know they are looking for good results here in BC

and

> that's fine, but if you are Canadian and an woman of a certain age

and

> want resurfacing don't just take no for an answer. Get a bone

> density test and get a second opinion. You may have options.

>

> And remember that it is likely that your bone density in the hip

will

> increase after surgery so if you are borderline don't take no for an

> answer.

>

> Pamela

> lbhr De Smet Oct 23/02