I want a BHR but surgeon is recommending THR ceramic

March 4, 2004

I'm 32 who had late diagnosis of R CDH, had frog plaster at 2 and

then rotational osteotomy at 5. I was doing fine, treating my hip

like an old car and not doing too much to induce any excess pain.

Since October the pain has become unbearable - even walking a few

yards induces pain.

To cut a long story short I saw a surgeon and 2 weeks ago he said

that it looked like surgery was the only option. He would spend some

time deciding what would be the best procedure.

I was getting worried as I hadn't heard from my surgeon which option

he would advise so on Tuesday I spoke to my surgeon's secretary and

she told me that a letter had been sent to me and then offered to

tell me what was in the letter. She said he thought it would be

practical to perform a BHR. She then went on to say it would be a

cemented type with ceramic bearings.

I got straight onto the web and followed your various links and read

up about BHR - which I can see is a fantastic procedure and

particularly suitable for younger patients.

Then I actually got the letter yesterday. Reading it he actually says

he *doesn't* think it would be practical to perform a BHR. The

secretary must have been skim reading and missed the word " don't "

in " I don't think it would be practical. "

I'm gutted. Everything I have been reading says it should be Metal on

Metal and resurf is the way to go.

What shall I do now? The operation is booked for 2nd April and I

don't know if ceramic is the right thing to do but I've got to trust

my surgeon right?

I know I have a dysplastic hip and the femur is damaged because of

the late diagnosis but ............. why can't I have a resurf?

What questions should I be asking?

Looking forward to your replies

thanks

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