Hip Replacements/Rebuild

[cammas]

Hi all
As the title states I am after some advice from people who have had this done and are still riding

The reason I am asking is that about 20 years ago I had a pretty bad motorbike accident and beat myself up pretty bad, my hip and pelvis had three breaks in it plus a few other injuries. They stated as I got older the socket will get a fair bit wear in it and it will need to be replaced. So that time has now come, after racing the Mount Beauty 6hr 2012 solo and SS I pulled up a bit more sore than usual so after the many visits to the Doc and laying off riding to see if would come good I was sent to specialist. He took a look at my X-ray and looked at me and wondered if was my X-ray as I am only in my late thirties and stated that he needs a replacement but due to me being young that he would line the socket with a ceramic and it should last the rest of my life.

As we all know what they say and the truth can be different I am just wondering if anyone has been through this and how did you pull up, were you off the bike long and how is the riding now.

 

[Pastavore]

Mate, haven't been through it personally, but know very well a few who have. They have all got back on the bike with no problems. How long has varied significantly. My main advice would be do your rehab. Properly, diligently and completely. Good luck, whatever your decision.

 

[cammas]

Thanks for that,the specialist said to put it off till I can't stand the pain that was back in July and I am getting to that point now. I know it has to be done just a bit worried about getting back on the bike afterwards a bit of nerves I guess, just wouldn't mind hearing from others about it to ease the mind.

As for rehab I know that all to well and I have in the past put in 110% as you get one chance to get it right and make it last.

 

[JTmofo]

Hey mate, that's an unfortunate position you find yourself in being so young. I haven't had a hip replacement and can't offer much advice.
The one thing I will say is, that if your day to day life is affected with the un bearable pain from your hip condition, I would not think twice about getting it done ASAP!
Many people I know that have had both hips and knees replaced wished they had it done earlier, and they are stunned at the increase in quality of life.

As for ur main concern of riding again, that should be a secondary thought. Chances are you won't have any issues riding again, and most likely your riding enjoyment will improve with less pain.

My 2 cents worth.... Good luck!

 

[vls666]

Hi Cammas,

My dad had a full knee replacement a year and a bit ago. He's an old tough nut so a bit tricky to gauge when it actually started to feel better vs. the pain he was feeling!

You're half his age so healing might be a fair amount quicker than it was for him. He was up and being active within a couple of months, and back to his normal routine within 6 months (but couldn't sprint or run just yet). Now he rides every day (non MTB though). So i'd say for him it did take a full year of rehab and recovery before he was back to normal.

Goodluck mate and let us know how it goes

 

[Mywifesirrational]

G'day cammas,

I've worked in out patient rehab for many years and rehab'd a few hundred hips and a lot more knees, I am also coming towards the end of a PhD which I am investigating improving outcomes following joint replacement.

I think that waiting until the last possible point to have the replacement is a bad choice, have it ASAP.

Why? the longer you wait the worse off you are for several reasons, you'll have significant alterations to your gait pattern, typically with the contra lateral limb excessively loaded, this results in a very high chance of developing osteoarthritis in that leg, particularly the knee.

Secondly, pain is a noxious stimulus for the body, it results in the inhibition of muscle activation, so your brain effectively stops using those muscles around the area where the pain is, resulting in the above point. But more importantly it is a bilateral effect, both legs are inhibited, not just the bad hip. This again compounds with the above point, your 'good' leg is under increased loading, but at the same time it is getting weaker.

lastly the longer you wait the more muscle mass you will lose (and overall fitness, health and quality of life), muscle mass is not easy to recover, having the surgery early will reduce the rehab times and get you back you your life and hobbies faster.

Depending on the surgical approach and the surgeons requirements, hip flexon of over 90 degrees is a commonly not allowed as it as a high chance of dislocation, this normally lasts for 3-6 months, sometimes longer. It just depends on what the surgeon states. If this is the case you must not ride a bike in this period! Ask the surgeon upfront, he'll/she'll know best.

Overall, hip replacement surgery is excellent, not particularly painful and being young you should be in the top 5% for recovery time and function post replacement - six months is the standard time, and most older folk pretty much completely plateau at around this period, a young man doing some serious rehab, especially gym based resistance could do a lot better a lot quicker.

. My father had a bilateral hip replacements 30 years ago, cemented approach, has not had a problem since, they'll last him until he carks it.

 

[cammas]

thanks for the replies people

thanks for the replies people

I had already made the choice to book back in with the specialist to get it done when he can fit me in so I am not leaving it any longer, that's why I thought I would ask around about peoples experiences. So i know what I am in for, on my last visit he said a couple of days on crutches then walking stick for 4-6 weeks and I should be back at work then but that depends on my work last time I had a shoulder rebuild they would not let me back till I was 100%. Which resulted in an extra 6 months off work luckily I have income protection so I hope they pay I have been in talks with them and TAC but due to my accident being so long ago and laws changing they only pay a certain amount so I also had to make sure we were in a financial position to do so, building my bike could of waited but it was bargain I could not refuse plus it will give me something to aim for while doing rehab.

I might keep this thread going with my progress if any has to go through the same situation

 

[ducuptin001]

nói chung lÃ* du?c

 

[outtacontrol]

Hi all
As the title states I am after some advice from people who have had this done and are still riding

The reason I am asking is that about 20 years ago I had a pretty bad motorbike accident and beat myself up pretty bad, my hip and pelvis had three breaks in it plus a few other injuries. They stated as I got older the socket will get a fair bit wear in it and it will need to be replaced. So that time has now come, after racing the Mount Beauty 6hr 2012 solo and SS I pulled up a bit more sore than usual so after the many visits to the Doc and laying off riding to see if would come good I was sent to specialist. He took a look at my X-ray and looked at me and wondered if was my X-ray as I am only in my late thirties and stated that he needs a replacement but due to me being young that he would line the socket with a ceramic and it should last the rest of my life.

As we all know what they say and the truth can be different I am just wondering if anyone has been through this and how did you pull up, were you off the bike long and how is the riding now.

Pretty much in the same boat. I am 42 and after 25 years of playing soccer, I eventually had to give it away from pain from my hip. Initial diagnosis was the cartilage in my hip was damaged. Turns out it was gone completely. The combination of years of running on a hip socket that didn't fit together well has resulted in destroying the cartilage and damaging the surface of the hip socket beyond repair. Specialist advised me to go away and wear it out and when it became to hard to deal with, he would do a replacement.

Sounds familiar

Luckily, it seemed that only running made it angry and biking didn't seem to worry it too much. I assumed it must have been impact related, but after doing more riding than normal in the lead up to a riding holiday, it has been terrible. Most nights need some decent painkillers to get to sleep. Thinking my time is running out....

 

[cammas]

Yep that's me as well riding does not hurt but the car and sitting at work is a killer, my socket is pretty much worn as well the pain freaking annoying comes and goes when it feels. I start making calls tomorrow but going for a ride at the you yangs first, trying to get as much riding in before I get it done.

 

[outtacontrol]

Yep that's me as well riding does not hurt but the car and sitting at work is a killer, my socket is pretty much worn as well the pain freaking annoying comes and goes when it feels. I start making calls tomorrow but going for a ride at the you yangs first, trying to get as much riding in before I get it done.

Good luck, would be interested to hear how it turns out for you.

 

[quiggs]

G'day cammas,
I think that waiting until the last possible point to have the replacement is a bad choice, have it ASAP.

Why? the longer you wait the worse off you are for several reasons, you'll have significant alterations to your gait pattern, typically with the contra lateral limb excessively loaded, this results in a very high chance of developing osteoarthritis in that leg, particularly the knee.

Secondly, pain is a noxious stimulus for the body, it results in the inhibition of muscle activation, so your brain effectively stops using those muscles around the area where the pain is, resulting in the above point. But more importantly it is a bilateral effect, both legs are inhibited, not just the bad hip. This again compounds with the above point, your 'good' leg is under increased loading, but at the same time it is getting weaker.

lastly the longer you wait the more muscle mass you will lose (and overall fitness, health and quality of life), muscle mass is not easy to recover, having the surgery early will reduce the rehab times and get you back you your life and hobbies faster.

Depending on the surgical approach and the surgeons requirements, hip flexon of over 90 degrees is a commonly not allowed as it as a high chance of dislocation, this normally lasts for 3-6 months, sometimes longer. It just depends on what the surgeon states. If this is the case you must not ride a bike in this period! Ask the surgeon upfront, he'll/she'll know best.

Overall, hip replacement surgery is excellent, not particularly painful and being young you should be in the top 5% for recovery time and function post replacement - six months is the standard time, and most older folk pretty much completely plateau at around this period, a young man doing some serious rehab, especially gym based resistance could do a lot better a lot quicker.

. My father had a bilateral hip replacements 30 years ago, cemented approach, has not had a problem since, they'll last him until he carks it.

Camma,
I have to agree with everything that is said above.
I had a Birhmingham hip replacement 5 yrs ago at the end of this month I'm now 39. Happy Anniversary me! Following after 2 yrs of constant pain battle after a unfortunate infection in the hip joint as a result of an arthroscope. Get it done now or ASAP, as stated above, the hip specialists orthos are very very good surgeons continually looking into more effecctive ways to improve longevity and accelerated rehab times. And the longer you leave it the worse everything else gets

Rehab time for me was pretty quick, young, determined and spent ALOT of time in the gym presurgery to improve strength to improve rehab time. Yes this hurt, yes the pain med drugs got a work out but as the surgeon state "Can't break what's already broken!"

cheers
quiggs

send me a PM if you want to have a chat

 

[cammas]

Dates are booked

Time for an update

Well after some other unfortunate events that had me ending up in hospital for a totally unrelated matter not even cool stack to brag about, I finally got back to the specialist today and the dates are booked for the end of the month. So in I go to get it done a week after my 39th, had a good chat with the surgeon discussing pain, walking, work and of course riding.

So around 3 days in hospital, 3-4 weeks off work and around 3 months off the bike (they say it comes in 3's) but a bit longer for the mountain bike, we discussed starting out on the road bike ensuring it has healed before letting it rip off road and exposing it to higher impacts. Which is not a bad thing the gradual approach is needed but it will discussed at follow up sessions after surgery. So if any of my posts seem a bit strange at the end of this month you will know why, its just the meds talking.:lol:

 

[Mywifesirrational]

Time for an update

Well after some other unfortunate events that had me ending up in hospital for a totally unrelated matter not even cool stack to brag about, I finally got back to the specialist today and the dates are booked for the end of the month. So in I go to get it done a week after my 39th, had a good chat with the surgeon discussing pain, walking, work and of course riding.

So around 3 days in hospital, 3-4 weeks off work and around 3 months off the bike (they say it comes in 3's) but a bit longer for the mountain bike, we discussed starting out on the road bike ensuring it has healed before letting it rip off road and exposing it to higher impacts. Which is not a bad thing the gradual approach is needed but it will discussed at follow up sessions after surgery. So if any of my posts seem a bit strange at the end of this month you will know why, its just the meds talking.:lol:

That's good news, just make sure that they refer you onto an outpatient rehab program post surgery and discharge, for some reason some private hospitals who do not provide rehab don't bother taking 2 minutes to put in a referral for rehab.

 

[craigjurisevic]

Time for an update

Well after some other unfortunate events that had me ending up in hospital for a totally unrelated matter not even cool stack to brag about, I finally got back to the specialist today and the dates are booked for the end of the month. So in I go to get it done a week after my 39th, had a good chat with the surgeon discussing pain, walking, work and of course riding.

So around 3 days in hospital, 3-4 weeks off work and around 3 months off the bike (they say it comes in 3's) but a bit longer for the mountain bike, we discussed starting out on the road bike ensuring it has healed before letting it rip off road and exposing it to higher impacts. Which is not a bad thing the gradual approach is needed but it will discussed at follow up sessions after surgery. So if any of my posts seem a bit strange at the end of this month you will know why, its just the meds talking.:lol:

Good luck. Rehab will be important. As a surgeon myself, I see a lot of patients try and 'tough it out' and wean themselves off the analgesics too early. The secret to a speedy recovery is (1) good pain relief, (2) rest and (3) rehab as soon as possible. The motto "No Pain No Gain" applies to bodybuilding. Pain reduces wound healing and increases infection rates so BE AS COMFORTABLE AS YOU CAN.
Take care and all the best!

P.S. I fractured my clavicle 8 weeks ago (mtb) and had it plated. Now my AC joint is buggered and I am having more surgery next week

 

[outtacontrol]

This thread motivated me to go back and get mine checked out after 3 years. Got a CT scan to see how the bone damage had progressed. There was more damage than the last time, with some cysts evident in the scans on both the surface of the hip socket and the head of the femur. The damage is limited to my right side.

The visit co incided with an extended period of pain that the specialist suggested was probably from causing new damage to the cartilage, although it has finally started to calm down again. He advised me that I had 4 options available to me.

1. Inject a lubricant into the joint to provide a short period of relief.
2. A re surfacing of the hip joint
3. A full replacement
4. Manage the injury by limiting actions that aggravate the joint and delay intervention as long as possible.

He advised that the procedure won't last forever, with it likely to be needed again before I cark it, so he recommended to leave it as long as I can before getting surgery.

I have read in this thread advice to the contrary, so would be interested in hearing any educated opinions to the contrary.

 

[cammas]

This thread motivated me to go back and get mine checked out after 3 years. Got a CT scan to see how the bone damage had progressed. There was more damage than the last time, with some cysts evident in the scans on both the surface of the hip socket and the head of the femur. The damage is limited to my right side.

The visit co incided with an extended period of pain that the specialist suggested was probably from causing new damage to the cartilage, although it has finally started to calm down again. He advised me that I had 4 options available to me.

1. Inject a lubricant into the joint to provide a short period of relief.
2. A re surfacing of the hip joint
3. A full replacement
4. Manage the injury by limiting actions that aggravate the joint and delay intervention as long as possible.

He advised that the procedure won't last forever, with it likely to be needed again before I cark it, so he recommended to leave it as long as I can before getting surgery.

I have read in this thread advice to the contrary, so would be interested in hearing any educated opinions to the contrary.

I had a good chat with the specialist yesterday and he said it should outlast me, the one I am getting done is a ceramic head and socket, he is using a method which is minimal invasive and he says I will walk out of hospital. I asked him the youngest patient he had done and he was 32 and he said all the other moto riders and cyclists he had done this is what he recommends

The only thing I can suggest is maybe a second opinion I have got to the point where my mine just got to be painful nearly all the time and it was not gradually thing it suddenly just turned bad.

Anyhow what ever choice best of luck, I will keep posting I how progress bit daunting no riding for 3 months at least it should be raining so then I won't feel so bad, just plenty of walking the dog.

 

[Hugor]

@ outtacontrol

I feel for you mate this is a difficult decision.

There is no clear answer to your problem. Hip replacement is the most successful orthopaedic reconstructive procedure.
Unfortunately you belong to the worst age and gender group as far as joint replacement longevity is concerned.
You are an active fit male who wants to fix this problem so you can continue your physical lifestyle.
Unfortunately this means that you thrash your replacement more than most.
I'm presuming your less than 55 so there's a 9% chance your new hip will need a redo at 11 years, or perhaps another way of looking at it is that you've got a 91% chance of your hip being fine at that time.
From AOAJRR 2012:



Your surgeon is cautioning you about having it done too early as he's trying to avoid the number of revisions that you will require to get you through your life.
Generally speaking revision surgery is not as successful as primary's, though types of revisions vary enormously.
I would be very cautious about telling a young male that one single replacement will take them through their days. Its a massive call that is not supported in the literature.
The curve below is not linear but exponential so it doesn't hold for example that the revision rate is 18% at 22 years, it would probably be closer to 50 or 60%.



As for the issue of bearings, ceramics appear promising in the laboratory but this hasn't translated into clinical results yet. The revision rates overall are 5% at 11 years which is comparable to more conventional bearings.



The history of joint replacement is full of disasters when bearings that appeared fantastic in the lab were used in people.
Metal bearings have produced tumours, plastics have caused massive bone erosions, and ceramics have suddenly exploded.
All these types were put in people in good faith when the lab suggested they would perform better.
"Minimally invasive" is marketing drivel - it actually doesn't have a uniform definition.

Your problem can't be answered with data, its more a philosophical one.
If I were in your position I would hold off until it was holding you back from your passionate pursuits.
If you can make mild alterations to your life and carry on then I would do that, but if this is holding you back from enjoying important things in your life then I would go ahead.

 

[outtacontrol]

@ outtacontrol


If I were in your position I would hold off until it was holding you back from your passionate pursuits.
If you can make mild alterations to your life and carry on then I would do that, but if this is holding you back from enjoying important things in your life then I would go ahead.

Cheers. Pretty much exactly what he advised me. He said that if I wanted to keep using it once it had been done, it would need re doing at some stage, no doubt. He suggested the best option eventually would be a re surfacing procedure initially (although not sure I would be a candidate, due to some displasia) and then when it needed revision, they would probably do a full replacement.

Thanks for your advise. I think I will try and get as long as I can out of it. I am 42.

 

[outtacontrol]

Does anyone know of a magic potion to take for joint formula?? There seems to millions on the market and I did some research awhile ago that all seemed to point towards Glucosimine and chondroitin. I bought some and used it for awhile, but never felt any improvement.

In light of some of the awesome expert advice in this thread, can anyone recommend what ingredients or supplement that might be helpful.

Cheers..