Hi

I haven't posted in a long while but wanted to pass on what I have learned
regarding hip
replacement.

I am 38, was born with prs, cleft palate and poor eyesight. I was 14 when my
retina
detached and sticklers was diagnosed at the eye hospital. Have had another
deatchment
since then in the other eye. My good eye is -17.5. In my early 30's I really
started to
notice hip pain, Had arthrograms and arthroscopies that did nothing to help, I
was severe
bone-on-bone with osteoarthritis.

Much research told me about hip resurfacing, this is a bone conserving
alternative to
conventional thr - look at this x-ray to see the difference between the two
procedures

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

The technique has been used here in UK in it's modern form since 1991 with
continued
success, it is designed for young active people and there is speculation that
these joints
could last a lifetime, if they don't then revision to a total hip replacement is
just like
having a primary hip done. The most well known of the resurfacing devices is
known as
The Birmingham Hip, because it was developed by two surgeons in Birmingham UK.

Well I have had both of my hips done this way, I have had no restrictions at all
post-op
and can honestly say that this last year has been the best I have had in many
years, no
pain and back to being very active, horse riding, walking and I can run properly
for the
first time in my life.

The procedure is done by some wonderful US surgeons, but you must discuss it
with a
surgeon who does both procedures or they will often give you out-of-date
information.

If anyone needs a new hip then I would urge you to investigate this procedure,
it is life
changing. You can start your research with these sites

http://www.midmedtec.co.uk/index.htm (tells you what it is)

http://www.ActiveJoints.com (excellent informative site)

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/surfacehippy (a great discussion group)

http://www.hip-clinic.com (a brilliant surgeons site)

http://www.thehipclinic.co.uk/resurfacing.aspxI (another brilliant surgeons
site in UK)


hope this helps someone like it has helped me

jane - in Wales UK