Re: Re: Birmingham Hip resurfacing

[Guest guest]

Sheila,

It's a shame your legs are not functioning as you wish. Dancing must be very

demanding and to have to deal with a leg length discrepancy must be very

frustrating.

Are you aware that resurfacing does not provide any means of changing the

length of one's leg? Stemmed THRs do come in various sizes, lengths, lateral

offsets, Etc. but resurfacing pretty much replaces what existed before the

surgery. This is good news for patients with relatively normal leg lengths.

On the other hand, stemmed THR patients often wind up with significant

discrepancies. This seems to be a function of the surgeon's skill, pre-op

planning and a host of factors that can be difficult for the surgeon to

control.

With resurfacing, there's nothing that can be done to alter the anatomy of

the joint. Bone can not be added to increase length, or removed to decrease

length and the devices do not come in different " lengths " , only diameters

meant to mimic the natural size of the joint.

If your leg was lengthened by 1mm, it is probably due to the restoration of

missing structure, previously lost to joint degeneration. This would

normally be desirable as most patients have some lost bone structure to

recoup.

It sounds like your surgeon did not do a good job of informing you of the

limitations of resurfacing. Your disappointment is understandable, but your

expectations may have been for more then resurfacing could provide. The

alternative of a stemmed THR might well have been even worse.

All the best with your post op progress,

Mike Trautman

C2K, Sep 03

[Guest guest]

At 08:42 PM 11/24/2003 -0600, you wrote:

>Are you aware that resurfacing does not provide any means of changing the

>length of one's leg?

>With resurfacing, there's nothing that can be done to alter the anatomy of

>the joint.

Mike,

Be careful here. My left leg was lengthened over 2.5 cm, and right was

lengthened slightly also. I ended up with perfectly even legs (my left leg

was lengthened to even me up with the right side intentionally). Depending

on where the cup was placed, there is actually room to change the effective

length of the leg. It is possible then, that Sheila had a cup placed lower

than the " original equipment " . It may have been the docs intent (although

he apparently has not communicated that if that is the case), if her

biologic acetabulum was originally out of whack.

Cindy

C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

Alistair---this is too tantalising. What have learned that you did not

ask about beforehand?

Eleanor

Re: Birmingham Hip resurfacing

Dear Alistair.

Big decisions in life are always difficult and you will often find

yourself in a position of uncertainty. Even if you spend hours

collecting information you may find that opinions and experiences of

others raise as many questions as they answer.

This has been my experience in life.

You may find that at the end of the day, you just have to close you

eyes/ears and jump. This is perfectly acceptable in this case as you

are not getting a full view of the operating surgeon's ability. (The

silent majority syndrome)

However what I have also noticed is that a more successful strategy

is to accept that there will be both positive and negative aspects to

whatever decision you take, but if you work hard to make the best of

the outcome you will end up a sense of achievement, and will be

satisfied with the result.

Hip resurfacing is really the only option for an energetic future and

a great deal of it's' success will be down to your weight and fitness.

I had mine done 2 weeks ago and have learnt a lot from the recovery

period, especially about things I didn't ask about beforehand. I do

however feel that much of the future is in my own hands.

Good luck

[Guest guest]

Treacey has possibly done more resurfacings than anyone else (over 3000). As

far as I'm aware the only complaint I've seen was that of leg length post

operation. I was totally happy with him and consider myself lucky to have been

his patient. He is a person you can warm to and wouldn't hesitate to thoroughly

recommend him

Rog BHR March & May 2000

Re: Birmingham Hip resurfacing

Dear Alistair,

Whoever you choose, just make sure they measure your legs

pre-op and address leg length issues with you beforehand. I

was done by Treacy and my right leg was left between 1/2 and 1

inch longer than the other. While a BHR may reduce the risk of

leg lengthening, I am living proof that it is no guarantee that you

will be spared it. This result really compromised my ability to

enjoy my restoration of function and ROM. It has really impaired

my salsa dancing & balance and is a huge hassle re shoes and

pant hems.

I'm feeling especially mean around this topic at present because

I need my other hip done and after months of e-mails to him,

have yet to be obliged with an explanation as to how he will

make this one longer to match without over or under correcting it.

He scoffed at my leg lengthening concerns the first time, so I am

doubly chary this time. The responses I receive back from his

secretary ignore my questions and instead suggest that I book a

date. Why would I want go back over without some guarantee

that I will be left better off than I am and a thorough

understanding as to how the improvement will be achieved?

From some of the reports I've heard, I am starting to wonder if

their success hasn't reduced their service to patients. If you are

a simple, straightforward case, I'm sure you'll be fine with either.

Just know that while choosing a doc with a great rep may reduce

the variables associated with a less than optimum outcome, it

doesn't eliminate them.

If you're in England, you can meet these guys. I'd interview them

and see who you like best.

Good luck.

Sheila

> In a message dated 11/19/2003 12:35:05 PM Pacific Standard

Time,

> david.vale@b... writes:

> These are the two who jointly developed BHR and (I believe)

both have

> done more of these ops than anyone else, ever.

>

> Choosing between them would be like deciding whether your

hospital

> dinner should be cooked by Gordon Ramsey or Le

Blanc. You

> cannot make a bad decision.

> I agree with this sentiment, and I had both of mine done by

Treacy.

>

> Des Tuck

> 10/01 and 5/03

>

>

>