Re: Questions -I am also young

[Guest guest]

Dear V,

Given your very young age, you should check out resurfacing instead of a total

hip. Go to surfacehippy@... (or something close to that) and check out

the vast information there. The folks on there just rave about their

resurfacing because: It saves bone (they don't completely remove the top of

the femur, they resurface it); you can be way more active without dislocating

because the ball is bigger; the healing time is weeks instead of months and you

can weight bear in days not six weeks. This is just a short blurb on it, but if

you just read through say a month's worth of postings on surfacehippy you will

get invaluable information that could positively change your life.

Just my two cents' worth.

Debby

Jess Villagomez <vickynicky@...> wrote:

>All,

>  

>  Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am seeing

these things  that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me

advise on this matter. Thanks

>  

>  V

>

>Lane s <lane4404@...> wrote:

>            Hi Beverly,

>  I think we all hope for maximum wear before revision becomes necessary.  Do

you mind if I ask why you needed the revision after " only " 12 years?  Trauma?

 Accident?  Loosened hardware?  Thanks.

>  Lane

>

>beverly ketcham <bketcham@...> wrote:

>  We all heal at a different rate. Each surgery is unique. With my first

>TLHR I was not allowed more than 90 degrees bend or full weight bearing

>for six weeks. So I was limited to crutches and walker. I remember

>trying to change my two year olds diapers balancing on one leg with the

>walker between me and the changing table.

>

>It's up to the surgeon also. Those were my instructions. I was 39

>years old and a race walker (5 miles a day) before the surgery. I

>remember using crutches to go back to work at two months and it was one

>of the most physically taxing things I felt I had ever done. I had one

>little scar and no stitches and he gave me a little liposuction to help

>the scar lay flat.

>

>With the Revision last year I was at 60 degrees bend, my wheel chair in

>the hospital was a recliner! I was the only one with a reclining wheel

>chair. I was no weight bearing at all for six weeks. It takes a while

>to come back to vacuuming from that point. I used a shower slide that

>I rented to get in and out of the shower but still it was three weeks

>before I felt capable of taking a shower without anyone else in the

>house, just in case. With the revision I had 50 staples. Same surgeon

>different surgeries.

>

>We all heal differently and many of us have different instructions from

>our doctors.

>

>

>Beverly in Austin

>TLHR 1993, TLHRevision 2005

>

>> Posted by: " grettler@... " grettler@...  

>> kellygrettler

>>

>> Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:39 am (PST)

>> Not to be mean, but you should be able to do those things now. Well,

>> how long has it been since your surgery? Laundry and vacuuming are

>> pretty easy to do, and I think I was doing them in week 2 after my hip

>> replacement. I would imagine that your physical therapist is more

>> referring to things like horseback riding and water skiing as far as

>> what you should refrain from till November.

>

>    

>---------------------------------

>  How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

 

>

>        

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks and I am researching this. My life has become a nightmare with the severe pain, my stomach aches from all the advil , ibuprofen, etc. I have 4 kids one of whom is severly autistic. Thanks Vdebbyclary@... wrote: Dear V,Given your very young age, you should check out resurfacing instead of a total hip. Go to surfacehippy (or something close to that) and check out the vast information

there. The folks on there just rave about their resurfacing because: It saves bone (they don't completely remove the top of the femur, they resurface it); you can be way more active without dislocating because the ball is bigger; the healing time is weeks instead of months and you can weight bear in days not six weeks. This is just a short blurb on it, but if you just read through say a month's worth of postings on surfacehippy you will get invaluable information that could positively change your life.Just my two cents' worth.DebbyJess Villagomez <vickynickyverizon (DOT) net> wrote:>All,> > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am seeing these things that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me advise on this matter. Thanks> > V>>Lane s <lane4404 > wrote:> Hi Beverly,> I think we all hope for maximum wear before revision becomes necessary. Do you mind if I ask why you needed the revision after "only" 12 years? Trauma? Accident? Loosened hardware? Thanks.> Lane>>beverly ketcham <bketchamaustin (DOT) rr.com> wrote:> We all heal at a different rate. Each surgery is unique. With my first >TLHR I was not allowed more than 90 degrees bend or full weight bearing >for six weeks. So I was limited to crutches and walker. I remember >trying to change my two year olds diapers balancing on one leg with the >walker between me and the changing table.>>It's up to the surgeon also. Those were my instructions. I was 39 >years old and a race

walker (5 miles a day) before the surgery. I >remember using crutches to go back to work at two months and it was one >of the most physically taxing things I felt I had ever done. I had one >little scar and no stitches and he gave me a little liposuction to help >the scar lay flat.>>With the Revision last year I was at 60 degrees bend, my wheel chair in >the hospital was a recliner! I was the only one with a reclining wheel >chair. I was no weight bearing at all for six weeks. It takes a while >to come back to vacuuming from that point. I used a shower slide that >I rented to get in and out of the shower but still it was three weeks >before I felt capable of taking a shower without anyone else in the >house, just in case. With the revision I had 50 staples. Same surgeon >different surgeries.>>We all heal differently and many of us have different instructions from

>our doctors.>>>Beverly in Austin>TLHR 1993, TLHRevision 2005>>> Posted by: "grettlersatx (DOT) rr.com" grettlersatx (DOT) rr.com >> kellygrettler>>>> Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:39 am (PST)>> Not to be mean, but you should be able to do those things now. Well, >> how long has it been since your surgery? Laundry and vacuuming are >> pretty easy to do, and I think I was doing them in week 2 after my hip >> replacement. I would imagine that your physical therapist is more >> referring to things like horseback riding and water skiing as far as >> what you should refrain from till November.>> >---------------------------------> How low will we go? Check out

Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates. >> >

[Guest guest]

Hi V

You need to check out resurfacing at your age, I know of a few people much

younger than

you who have had resurfacing with marvelous results. I was 37 when both mine

were

done.

this is an x-ray showing the difference

http://www.smj.org.uk/0205/metal%20fig1.htm

Go and join surfacehippy

surfacehippy

this is a brilliant discussion group with over 4000 members and you will get

loads of

advice.

Resurfacing is bone conserving, it gives a more natural joint so no stress

shielding, when

it fails you get a thr like it is your first and not a revision operation.

Revisions of thr are

always far more complicated for the surgeon.

Best Wishes

jane in Wales

bilat resurfacings

> We all heal at a different rate. Each surgery is unique. With my first

> TLHR I was not allowed more than 90 degrees bend or full weight bearing

> for six weeks. So I was limited to crutches and walker. I remember

> trying to change my two year olds diapers balancing on one leg with the

> walker between me and the changing table.

>

> It's up to the surgeon also. Those were my instructions. I was 39

> years old and a race walker (5 miles a day) before the surgery. I

> remember using crutches to go back to work at two months and it was one

> of the most physically taxing things I felt I had ever done. I had one

> little scar and no stitches and he gave me a little liposuction to help

> the scar lay flat.

>

> With the Revision last year I was at 60 degrees bend, my wheel chair in

> the hospital was a recliner! I was the only one with a reclining wheel

> chair. I was no weight bearing at all for six weeks. It takes a while

> to come back to vacuuming from that point. I used a shower slide that

> I rented to get in and out of the shower but still it was three weeks

> before I felt capable of taking a shower without anyone else in the

> house, just in case. With the revision I had 50 staples. Same surgeon

> different surgeries.

>

> We all heal differently and many of us have different instructions from

> our doctors.

>

>

> Beverly in Austin

> TLHR 1993, TLHRevision 2005

>

> > Posted by: " grettler@... " grettler@...

> > kellygrettler

> >

> > Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:39 am (PST)

> > Not to be mean, but you should be able to do those things now. Well,

> > how long has it been since your surgery? Laundry and vacuuming are

> > pretty easy to do, and I think I was doing them in week 2 after my hip

> > replacement. I would imagine that your physical therapist is more

> > referring to things like horseback riding and water skiing as far as

> > what you should refrain from till November.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> How low will we go? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

[Guest guest]

My first 2 THRs, I was on short term medical leave for 3 months but only because, as a nurse, I was required to lift. This year, for my first revision, I did not have disability insurance so needed to get back to work ASAP. Since I was non weight bearing on the operative side, I was not permitted to return to work while on crutches. At 6 weeks, I was permitted to walk without aid, so it took a good week to get back to using both feet. I returned to work one week later, at 7 weeks post op.

Good luck to you,

Sue in PA

[Guest guest]

Hi V

When my hips were resurfaced I was off work for exactly six weeks but this was

because that

was the time I had booked off, I could easily have gone back sooner, many people

depending

on their jobs start after two or three weeks.

I was on crutches for for a few days after the op, then used a cane for a little

while and was

able to walk limp free and without assistance in a very short time. I was

walking a mile (in

one go) a day by two weeks post op.

I know I had a quick recovery but I think it was partly because I am young and

although

pretty well crippled pre-op I had tried to stay fairly fit, plus it was just so

wonderful to be

able to move and not be stiff anymore.

jane in Wales

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue, I am very interested in those of us who have had revisions. Do you mind sharing dates of initial THRs and of the revision? Would also know the reason for the revision. Thanks for your help. Lane Brown <susan.brown79@...> wrote: My first 2 THRs, I was on short term medical leave for 3 months but only because, as a nurse, I was required to lift. This year, for my first revision, I did not have disability insurance so needed to get back to work ASAP. Since I was non weight bearing on the operative side, I was not permitted to return to work while on crutches. At 6 weeks, I was permitted to walk without aid, so it took a good week to get back to using both feet. I returned to work one week later, at 7 weeks post op. Good luck to you, Sue in PA

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

jesse, you also need to talk to your dr. about pain management. too much over the counter medication can be toxic. you need to find something that will do the job at lower doses and the Dr. will help. not all of the newer stuff makes you sleepy or "drugged out" but you do need to take it as prescribed. some of them need to stay in the bloodstream and skipping pills just because you didn't hurt "that bad" may take a couple of days to correct

[Guest guest]

>

> All,

>

> Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am seeing

these things

that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me advise on this

matter.

Thanks

>

> V

One of the things that will influence your recovery time is the type of implant

your doctor

thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants. In the

cementless

prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes the cement.

These

implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they last

longer they tend

to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back is that you

have to be

non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out from a

cementless hip

replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk on it, but

have resisted

the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to start over.

The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one (that's

called a

revision). Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous one. because they

have to

cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go between implants,

the better

your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall

process........maybe

even a better implant.

Good Luck

Phyllis

[Guest guest]

" In the cementless prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal

implant and becomes the cement. These implants last

longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they last longer

they tend to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big

draw back is that you have to be non weight bearing on that leg for

about 6 weeks. "

I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the

last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few

minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless

replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as

tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't

use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon

believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by

using the joint. So the more you use the joint, the more you

stimulate growth. I used a walker for about 4 weeks and then a cane

for a couple of weeks after that. I was fully weight bearing at

probably 8 or 9 weeks. Being weight bearing will depend on your

surgeon and their preferences, not necessarily the type of

replacement you are given.

As for the original question. I was 31 when I had my hip replaced

last year. I was on medical leave for 12 weeks. That was because

of the hip precautions and potential for dislocation. I'd say that

12 weeks is going to be standard for most replacements no matter the

age. The thing you have to watch for is the risk of dislocation

from the muscles needing time to get their strength back.

Aimee

> >

> > All,

> >

> > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and

I am seeing these things

> that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me

advise on this matter.

> Thanks

> >

> > V

>

>

> One of the things that will influence your recovery time is the

type of implant your doctor

> thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants.

In the cementless

> prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes

the cement. These

> implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because

they last longer they tend

> to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back

is that you have to be

> non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out

from a cementless hip

> replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk

on it, but have resisted

> the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to

start over.

>

> The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one

(that's called a

> revision). Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous

one. because they have to

> cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go

between implants, the better

> your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall

process........maybe

> even a better implant.

>

> Good Luck

>

> Phyllis

>

[Guest guest]

That's the theory anyway.

I had an uncemented hip that doctors said needed revision after 11 years.

Metal isn't constantly renewing itself like bone is.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Re: Questions -I am also young

|

| >

| > All,

| >

| > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am

seeing these things

| that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me advise on

this matter.

| Thanks

| >

| > V

|

|

| One of the things that will influence your recovery time is the type of

implant your doctor

| thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants. In the

cementless

| prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes the

cement. These

| implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they

last longer they tend

| to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back is that

you have to be

| non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out from a

cementless hip

| replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk on it,

but have resisted

| the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to start

over.

|

| The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one (that's

called a

| revision). Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous one.

because they have to

| cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go between

implants, the better

| your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall

process........maybe

| even a better implant.

|

| Good Luck

|

| Phyllis

|

|

|

|

|

|

[Guest guest]

My surgeon believes this too. Our experiences are very similar.

-colleen

My surgeon believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated

by

using the joint. So the more you use the joint, the more you

stimulate growth.

[Guest guest]

thank you.. Vwaiting2dye <halesmail@...> wrote: >> All,> > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am seeing these things that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me advise on this matter. Thanks> > VOne of the things that

will influence your recovery time is the type of implant your doctor thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants. In the cementless prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes the cement. These implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they last longer they tend to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back is that you have to be non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out from a cementless hip replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk on it, but have resisted the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to start over.The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one (that's called a revision). Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous one. because they have to cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go between implants, the

better your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall process........maybe even a better implant.Good LuckPhyllis

[Guest guest]

Wow 12 weeks,,,, I have 4 small young children and that loss of income is something my family could afford.. thanks for your input... Vaimay73 <aimay73@...> wrote: "In the cementless prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes the cement. These implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they last longer they tend to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back is that you have to be non weight

bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks."I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by using the joint. So the more you use the joint, the more you stimulate growth. I used a walker for about 4 weeks and then a cane for a couple of weeks after that. I was fully weight bearing at probably 8 or 9 weeks. Being weight bearing will depend on your surgeon and their preferences, not necessarily the type of replacement you are given. As for the original question. I was 31 when I had my hip replaced last year. I

was on medical leave for 12 weeks. That was because of the hip precautions and potential for dislocation. I'd say that 12 weeks is going to be standard for most replacements no matter the age. The thing you have to watch for is the risk of dislocation from the muscles needing time to get their strength back. Aimee > >> > All,> > > > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and I am seeing these things > that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me advise on this matter. >

Thanks> > > > V> > > One of the things that will influence your recovery time is the type of implant your doctor > thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants. In the cementless > prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes the cement. These > implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because they last longer they tend > to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back is that you have to be > non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out from a cementless hip > replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk on it, but have resisted > the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to start over.> > The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one (that's called a > revision).

Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous one. because they have to > cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go between implants, the better > your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall process........maybe > even a better implant.> > Good Luck> > Phyllis>

[Guest guest]

Wow. that sounds great where did you have your surfacing? Thanks laeticiajane <laeticia_demorte@...> wrote: Hi VWhen my hips were resurfaced I was off work for exactly six weeks but this was because that was the time I had booked off, I could easily have gone back sooner, many people depending on their jobs start after two or three weeks.I was on crutches for for a few days after the op, then used a cane for a little while and was able to

walk limp free and without assistance in a very short time. I was walking a mile (in one go) a day by two weeks post op.I know I had a quick recovery but I think it was partly because I am young and although pretty well crippled pre-op I had tried to stay fairly fit, plus it was just so wonderful to be able to move and not be stiff anymore.jane in Wales

[Guest guest]

My first THR was performed in 1999 and the other side in 2000. They were done for osteoarthritis which in spite of my age (51 at the time), I was told my hips were the hips of an elderly person. My hip revision was of my first hip due to loosening so I only got 7 years out of it. There was wear on the outer side of the acetabulum cup where it is suppose to be porous, it was rubbed smooth. I had metalosis which were metal particles that required removal. The most common later complication of hip replacement surgery is an inflammatory reaction to tiny particles that gradually wear off of the artificial joint surfaces and are absorbed by the surrounding tissues. This process of osteolysis loosens the implant. This is what occured. My type of prothesis was metal on metal. Hope this helps.

Sue in PA

Subject: Re: Questions -I am also young

Hi Sue,

I am very interested in those of us who have had revisions. Do you mind sharing dates of initial THRs and of the revision? Would also know the reason for the revision. Thanks for your help.

Lane Brown <susan.brown79verizon (DOT) net> wrote:

My first 2 THRs, I was on short term medical leave for 3 months but only because, as a nurse, I was required to lift. This year, for my first revision, I did not have disability insurance so needed to get back to work ASAP. Since I was non weight bearing on the operative side, I was not permitted to return to work while on crutches. At 6 weeks, I was permitted to walk without aid, so it took a good week to get back to using both feet. I returned to work one week later, at 7 weeks post op.

Good luck to you,

Sue in PA

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

I had a cement-less hip replacement with a 4 inch incision and was

weight bearing immediately. Its been 5 months now and it is doing

fine.

Grace

> >

> > All,

> >

> > Question I have is that I am 30 years old and I need a THR and

I am seeing these things

> that say that the recoup time is 3 months? can someone give me

advise on this matter.

> Thanks

> >

> > V

>

>

> One of the things that will influence your recovery time is the

type of implant your doctor

> thinks is best for you. There are cemented and cemetless implants.

In the cementless

> prosthesis, your own bone grows into the metal implant and becomes

the cement. These

> implants last longer........maybe al long as 20-25 years. Because

they last longer they tend

> to be the implant of choice for younger people. The big draw back

is that you have to be

> non weight bearing on that leg for about 6 weeks. I am 5 weeks out

from a cementless hip

> replacement. I have no pain. It feels like I could get up and walk

on it, but have resisted

> the temptation because I do not want to screw it up and have to

start over.

>

> The cemented implants last 10-15 years before you need another one

(that's called a

> revision). Each hip replacement is not as good as the previous one.

because they have to

> cut more bone and drill a bigger hole. The longer you can go

between implants, the better

> your chances are of some new invention that improves the overall

process........maybe

> even a better implant.

>

> Good Luck

>

> Phyllis

>

[Guest guest]

> I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the

> last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few

> minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless

> replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as

> tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't

> use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon

> believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by

> using the joint.

aimay73,

I'm not making this stuff up. The following comes from the

The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=271

Cementless THR

In the 1980s, new implant designs were introduced to attach directly to bone

without the

use of cement. In general, these designs are larger and longer than those used

with

cement. They also have a surface topography that is conducive to attracting new

bone

growth. Most are textured or have a surface coating around much of the implant

so that

the new bone actually grows into the surface of the implant. Because they depend

on new

bone growth for stability, cementless implants require a longer healing time

than

cemented replacements.

The surgeon must be very precise in preparing the femur for a cementless impact.

The

implant channel must match the shape of the implant itself very closely. New

bone growth

cannot bridge gaps larger than 1mm to 2 mm. A 6- to 12-week period of protected

weightbearing (using crutches or a walker) is needed to give the bone time to

attach itself

to the implant. This protected weightbearing helps to ensure there is no

movement

between the implant and bone so a durable connection can be established.

It is probably fair to say that MOST cementless hip replacemtns will come with a

recommendation of limited weight bearing for the first few weeks. Obviously a

few (it

sounds like two) of you have had different experiences.

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering what happens if part of a cementless implant fails. If the bone has grown into the stem of the implant, how could they extract it?

Ann

Re: Questions -I am also young

> I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the > last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few > minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless > replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as > tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't > use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon > believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by > using the joint. aimay73,I'm not making this stuff up. The following comes from the The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site:http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=271Cementless THRIn the 1980s, new implant designs were introduced to attach directly to bone without the use of cement. In general, these designs are larger and longer than those used with cement. They also have a surface topography that is conducive to attracting new bone growth. Most are textured or have a surface coating around much of the implant so that the new bone actually grows into the surface of the implant. Because they depend on new bone growth for stability, cementless implants require a longer healing time than cemented replacements.The surgeon must be very precise in preparing the femur for a cementless impact. The implant channel must match the shape of the implant itself very closely. New bone growth cannot bridge gaps larger than 1mm to 2 mm. A 6- to 12-week period of protected weightbearing (using crutches or a walker) is needed to give the bone time to attach itself to the implant. This protected weightbearing helps to ensure there is no movement between the implant and bone so a durable connection can be established.It is probably fair to say that MOST cementless hip replacemtns will come with a recommendation of limited weight bearing for the first few weeks. Obviously a few (it sounds like two) of you have had different experiences.

[Guest guest]

No, this description is right on... The key being 6 to 12 weeks. Some

people generate bone faster than others, some don't generate well at all.

As many as 12% of all fractures wind up as " non-union " or " delayed union "

fractures (12 weeks with no bone healing visible by x-ray). I spent almost

4 years working with a project to accelerate fracture healing with pulsed

electromagnetic fields for exactly this symptom.

As a patient with cementless implants, all of us who were operated on at the

same medical center (Chaim Sheba Medical Center near Tel-Aviv, Israel) were

partial weight-bearing from the first day after surgery, first with a walker

(for as long as you felt you needed it), and then crutches. Everyone (there

were 6 of us operated on by different surgeons that day) left after between

4-6 days in hospital, by which time we were on crutches, and passed the

" test " of maneuvering a flight of stairs.

Depending on the x-rays, some of us switched to a cane at 6 weeks, some were

kept on crutches until the 12-week visit.

Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

mdavison@...

Re: Questions -I am also young

> I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the

> last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few minutes.

> When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless replacement. I was

> NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as tolerated from the

> moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't use full weight was

> that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon believes in a

> philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by using the joint.

aimay73,

I'm not making this stuff up. The following comes from the The American

Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=271

Cementless THR

In the 1980s, new implant designs were introduced to attach directly to bone

without the use of cement. In general, these designs are larger and longer

than those used with cement. They also have a surface topography that is

conducive to attracting new bone growth. Most are textured or have a surface

coating around much of the implant so that the new bone actually grows into

the surface of the implant. Because they depend on new bone growth for

stability, cementless implants require a longer healing time than cemented

replacements.

The surgeon must be very precise in preparing the femur for a cementless

impact. The implant channel must match the shape of the implant itself very

closely. New bone growth cannot bridge gaps larger than 1mm to 2 mm. A 6- to

12-week period of protected weightbearing (using crutches or a walker) is

needed to give the bone time to attach itself to the implant. This protected

weightbearing helps to ensure there is no movement between the implant and

bone so a durable connection can be established.

It is probably fair to say that MOST cementless hip replacemtns will come

with a recommendation of limited weight bearing for the first few weeks.

Obviously a few (it sounds like two) of you have had different experiences.

[Guest guest]

My experience was different, as it sounds was a few other peoples. Since we are here to share information, I was sharing my experience. >>> It's like you stated Aimee... all to the doctors discretion. And some doctors are just more caustion then others depending upon a patients needs.

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering what happens if part of a cementless implant fails. If the bone has grown into the stem of the implant, how could they extract it? >>> It's removed just the same.... only cemented implants tend to loose more bone as a result. That's why most physicians perfer cementless implants if it's at all feasible in their case... because patients can get to the point that there isn't bone destiny enough to do anything more during revisions.

[Guest guest]

I am very interested in those of us who have had revisions. Do you mind sharing dates of initial THRs and of the revision? Would also know the reason for the revision. >>> Lane my actual THR was done June 2003 ceramic on ceramic, first revision was July 2004 because my socket had a "gap" (for lack of better words)... and the implant was shifting around due to no bone growth. My stem did great but the socket was like it was in anothers body. That revision was done for the "milder side of fixes" to merely add additional mounts in the hopes of holding my implant in place until bone growth could do it's thing... which didn't pan out. Jan 2005 was my second revision which actually switched out the socket and has since "stablized" my implant.... I guess my bone only wants to grow when you get what IT likes in there. LOL

[Guest guest]

I was not implying that anyone " made up " any information they

posted. I was simply adding my 2 cents in to the statement that

said everyone is non weight bearing for at least 6 weeks. My

experience was different, as it sounds was a few other peoples.

Since we are here to share information, I was sharing my

experience. I was not non-weight bearing, but weight bearing as

tolerated from the get go. And as I also mentioned, the experience

you have will depend on your surgeon and their preferences because

each surgeon has definite ideas about how they handle replacements.

Aimee

>

> > I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in

the

> > last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few

> > minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless

> > replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight

bearing as

> > tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I

didn't

> > use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My

surgeon

> > believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated

by

> > using the joint.

>

> aimay73,

>

> I'm not making this stuff up. The following comes from the

> The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site:

>

> http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=271

>

> Cementless THR

> In the 1980s, new implant designs were introduced to attach

directly to bone without the

> use of cement. In general, these designs are larger and longer

than those used with

> cement. They also have a surface topography that is conducive to

attracting new bone

> growth. Most are textured or have a surface coating around much of

the implant so that

> the new bone actually grows into the surface of the implant.

Because they depend on new

> bone growth for stability, cementless implants require a longer

healing time than

> cemented replacements.

> The surgeon must be very precise in preparing the femur for a

cementless impact. The

> implant channel must match the shape of the implant itself very

closely. New bone growth

> cannot bridge gaps larger than 1mm to 2 mm. A 6- to 12-week period

of protected

> weightbearing (using crutches or a walker) is needed to give the

bone time to attach itself

> to the implant. This protected weightbearing helps to ensure there

is no movement

> between the implant and bone so a durable connection can be

established.

>

> It is probably fair to say that MOST cementless hip replacemtns

will come with a

> recommendation of limited weight bearing for the first few weeks.

Obviously a few (it

> sounds like two) of you have had different experiences.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi V

I had mine done in UK but if you join surface hippy you will get info on good

Dr's near you.

It is important to talk to a Dr who does full modern MOM (metal-on-metal)

resurfacing,

this op is a little more tricky than THR but there are some great Dr's in US,

and until it was

recently approved in US by FDA many US people go abroad either to Europe or

India, there

are some great Dr's there who are much less expensive than in US, they all

trained with the

inventors of modern resurfacing in UK.

Best Wishes

jane in Wales

-- In Joint Replacement , Jess Villagomez <vickynicky@...>

wrote:

>

> Wow. that sounds great where did you have your surfacing? Thanks

>

>

>

> laeticiajane <laeticia_demorte@...> wrote:

>

> Hi V

>

> When my hips were resurfaced I was off work for exactly six weeks but this was

because

that

> was the time I had booked off, I could easily have gone back sooner, many

people

depending

> on their jobs start after two or three weeks.

>

> I was on crutches for for a few days after the op, then used a cane for a

little while and

was

> able to walk limp free and without assistance in a very short time. I was

walking a mile

(in

> one go) a day by two weeks post op.

>

> I know I had a quick recovery but I think it was partly because I am young and

although

> pretty well crippled pre-op I had tried to stay fairly fit, plus it was just

so wonderful to

be

> able to move and not be stiff anymore.

>

> jane in Wales

>

[Guest guest]

I also had a cementless hip replacement done 2 weeks ago. I have a Stryker,

large ball (32

mm), of Titanium and Cobalt. I was weight bearing from the 2nd day. I saw my

surgeon

today, had x-rays, and everything looks good so far. The implant is right where

it should

be and it is healing nicely.

The only restrictions I have is not bending down to the floor to pick something

up, and not

crossing my operated leg over the other leg.

Arianne

>

> > I've seen a comment similar to this posted a couple of times in the

> > last few weeks and I just wanted to reply while I had a few

> > minutes. When I had my LTHR last year I had a cementless

> > replacement. I was NOT non weight bearing. I was weight bearing as

> > tolerated from the moment I was out of surgery. The reason I didn't

> > use full weight was that the pain was too intollerable. My surgeon

> > believes in a philosophy that suggests bone growth is stimulated by

> > using the joint.

>

> aimay73,

>

> I'm not making this stuff up. The following comes from the

> The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site:

>

> http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=271

>

> Cementless THR

> In the 1980s, new implant designs were introduced to attach directly to bone

without

the

> use of cement. In general, these designs are larger and longer than those used

with

> cement. They also have a surface topography that is conducive to attracting

new bone

> growth. Most are textured or have a surface coating around much of the implant

so that

> the new bone actually grows into the surface of the implant. Because they

depend on

new

> bone growth for stability, cementless implants require a longer healing time

than

> cemented replacements.

> The surgeon must be very precise in preparing the femur for a cementless

impact. The

> implant channel must match the shape of the implant itself very closely. New

bone

growth

> cannot bridge gaps larger than 1mm to 2 mm. A 6- to 12-week period of

protected

> weightbearing (using crutches or a walker) is needed to give the bone time to

attach

itself

> to the implant. This protected weightbearing helps to ensure there is no

movement

> between the implant and bone so a durable connection can be established.

>

> It is probably fair to say that MOST cementless hip replacemtns will come with

a

> recommendation of limited weight bearing for the first few weeks. Obviously a

few (it

> sounds like two) of you have had different experiences.

>