pach
06-19-2005, 05:37 PM
I had my hip replaced on 3/1/05. The doctor fitted it instead of cementing. And I was not allowed to put more than 20 lbs on it for the first 8+ weeks and out of work for 3 months. Has anyone else had their hip fitted? What kind of issues have you had? I suffer from AVN and my other hip will eventually need to be done.
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hip2it
06-19-2005, 09:03 PM
Hello!
I had the fitted one too. It's turned out great. I had read that the cement can dislodge and float around your body (some say it can be cancerous). My doctor said that cement is usually only used if the bone is so unstable that there is a question about the femur strength itself and it's more likely done in someone along in years (like 82+ years old).
I have only had my new hip for about 6 1/2 months, and I don't really have many issues (other than trying to get the strength back without doing too much too soon).
Good luck.
I had the fitted one too. It's turned out great. I had read that the cement can dislodge and float around your body (some say it can be cancerous). My doctor said that cement is usually only used if the bone is so unstable that there is a question about the femur strength itself and it's more likely done in someone along in years (like 82+ years old).
I have only had my new hip for about 6 1/2 months, and I don't really have many issues (other than trying to get the strength back without doing too much too soon).
Good luck.
legtoolong
06-20-2005, 10:44 AM
Hi
Both my hips were fitted as well. I had the same restrictions for the first 8 weeks. My doc said it is much easier if you have revision later to get out--he hates getting the cemented ones out.
My only issue is that the second surgery made my legs 3/4" different in length--you can read the things I wrote before under "legtoolong". I don't think this has anything to do with being fitted rather than cemented. When you have your second one done, ask the doc how he is going to make sure they come out the same. It may not change the outcome, but let him know you are concerned.
I'm close to 6 months now (Jan. 05) and am anxious to see what he says when he takes the standing x-ray of both hips. He has generally acted like it is no problem, but he doesn't have to walk on it. I'm doing OK with the correction in my shoe but I'm still unhappy with the result.
Both my hips were fitted as well. I had the same restrictions for the first 8 weeks. My doc said it is much easier if you have revision later to get out--he hates getting the cemented ones out.
My only issue is that the second surgery made my legs 3/4" different in length--you can read the things I wrote before under "legtoolong". I don't think this has anything to do with being fitted rather than cemented. When you have your second one done, ask the doc how he is going to make sure they come out the same. It may not change the outcome, but let him know you are concerned.
I'm close to 6 months now (Jan. 05) and am anxious to see what he says when he takes the standing x-ray of both hips. He has generally acted like it is no problem, but he doesn't have to walk on it. I'm doing OK with the correction in my shoe but I'm still unhappy with the result.
pach
06-20-2005, 11:52 AM
Hi Legtoolong and Hip2it;
My Dr said my right leg was over 1" shorter and that during surgery he tried extened my leg 1/2". He said it is his experience if he had evened them out it would have felt like my right leg was 2" longer. I did notice the length difference but figured alot of that could be because my femoral head had collapsed which would have shortened my leg even more all that time I walked on it.
Most people I know here had their hips cemented. A few medical staff at the hospital told me that was what lazy Dr's did so they cld get the surgery and recovery over with faster. A guy at work who was 30 yrs old had his hip done for AVN too and he walked the next day. That had to be cemented. But he didn't know.
There is a new surgical procedure I read about. 2 small incisions one in front one in back. Very minimal if any damage to muscles and tendons etc... I found the article online but I can't remember where.
I worked in the medical field for years as a nurse in Dr's ofc's and teaching Medical Assisting but have no orth or PT experience. That wld be helpful now.
Hope you have a great day.
My Dr said my right leg was over 1" shorter and that during surgery he tried extened my leg 1/2". He said it is his experience if he had evened them out it would have felt like my right leg was 2" longer. I did notice the length difference but figured alot of that could be because my femoral head had collapsed which would have shortened my leg even more all that time I walked on it.
Most people I know here had their hips cemented. A few medical staff at the hospital told me that was what lazy Dr's did so they cld get the surgery and recovery over with faster. A guy at work who was 30 yrs old had his hip done for AVN too and he walked the next day. That had to be cemented. But he didn't know.
There is a new surgical procedure I read about. 2 small incisions one in front one in back. Very minimal if any damage to muscles and tendons etc... I found the article online but I can't remember where.
I worked in the medical field for years as a nurse in Dr's ofc's and teaching Medical Assisting but have no orth or PT experience. That wld be helpful now.
Hope you have a great day.
MrsLinda
06-21-2005, 07:43 AM
You know, now I have to find out. If I told you I don't know whether or not I have cemented or not would you believe me??
On one hand I vaguely remember the doctor saying it was not cemented. But then I was able to put full weight on the the hip immediately. So now I'm confussed.
Is it possible to have an uncemented and have full weight bearing??????
On one hand I vaguely remember the doctor saying it was not cemented. But then I was able to put full weight on the the hip immediately. So now I'm confussed.
Is it possible to have an uncemented and have full weight bearing??????
pach
06-22-2005, 01:13 PM
MrsLinda;
I'd believe you! I wasn't allowed to even get out of bed for 3 days because I needed and add'l 3 pints of blood. But when PT came in the first time for me to walk they told me to put as much weight as I could. I was walking around the hosp just fine when my Dr saw me and screamed only 20 lbs. The PT turned white and said "I forgot you were Dr. Lyons pt." I was not allowed to walk again that day and was restricted from then on.
I was told that on a fitted hip the bone had to start growing and adherring to the prosthesis. With a broken bone it takes a minimum of 6 weeks for the bone to knit together enough to remove the cast. This is basically the same thing. If you put full weight on a fitted hip there is a possibly of damaging the bone growth or even breaking the bone where it was healing. Also since it was not secured by cement I would be afraid the prosthesis could shift.
Let me know what you find out.
I'd believe you! I wasn't allowed to even get out of bed for 3 days because I needed and add'l 3 pints of blood. But when PT came in the first time for me to walk they told me to put as much weight as I could. I was walking around the hosp just fine when my Dr saw me and screamed only 20 lbs. The PT turned white and said "I forgot you were Dr. Lyons pt." I was not allowed to walk again that day and was restricted from then on.
I was told that on a fitted hip the bone had to start growing and adherring to the prosthesis. With a broken bone it takes a minimum of 6 weeks for the bone to knit together enough to remove the cast. This is basically the same thing. If you put full weight on a fitted hip there is a possibly of damaging the bone growth or even breaking the bone where it was healing. Also since it was not secured by cement I would be afraid the prosthesis could shift.
Let me know what you find out.
Ripanco
06-22-2005, 02:46 PM
Hmmm,
This is interesting. I had simultaneous bilateral THA, MIS, posterior approach, press fit non cement. I was allowed to be totally weight bearing the next morning. The next day I was doing stairs with crutches. I was cleared to walk without crutches or any aid at 2 1/2 weeks. My surgeon said walk as much as I was comfortable with. I specifically asked him if that would slow down the bone growth around the stem and he said it would not.
I am wondering if the surgical approach and the surgeon make a difference. I have also read there is some difference in non cemented hips in how they are done and what the material is.
This is interesting. I had simultaneous bilateral THA, MIS, posterior approach, press fit non cement. I was allowed to be totally weight bearing the next morning. The next day I was doing stairs with crutches. I was cleared to walk without crutches or any aid at 2 1/2 weeks. My surgeon said walk as much as I was comfortable with. I specifically asked him if that would slow down the bone growth around the stem and he said it would not.
I am wondering if the surgical approach and the surgeon make a difference. I have also read there is some difference in non cemented hips in how they are done and what the material is.
MrsLinda
06-22-2005, 03:24 PM
I'm almost 100% positive he said non cemented. Something to do with my age and that it was better if it was not cemented. I'll give the office a call. They'll probably think that I'm nuts asking now, 10 months after the surgery!! :rolleyes:
pach
06-23-2005, 09:34 PM
Ripanco - the procedure you had is new. But you still must be nuts to stay awake for the surgery. How do you feel around the sound of hammers and saws. The sound of a drill makes my teeth hurt. I can't imagine being in your situation. I have a 14" scar down the right side of my hip. Since I am not slim it was the only option.
Now, I am going to go searching for the new intro page. What is the easiest way to find it?
MrsLinda - let me know. I'm curious as well.
Now, I am going to go searching for the new intro page. What is the easiest way to find it?
MrsLinda - let me know. I'm curious as well.
legtoolong
06-24-2005, 08:44 PM
I've read that if it is done just right with a tight fit that they now say you can put full weight right away. I think it varies with Doctors and their own beliefs.
Kiricki
08-06-2005, 04:47 PM
Is it possible to have an uncemented and have full weight bearing??????[/QUOTE]
I wonder about that, too. I am another who is (kind of) unsure whether my replacement is cemented or not. My replacement was due to an accident and so there was no previous *planning* before it was done. When the therapist came in, the next day, I was told to put full weight on my leg as soon as I could stand it. When I returned to the doctor, I asked if it was cemented and he said it was not. I feel the *growing pains* down the front of my thigh, that I have read are a result of the bone growing into the implant, so that would indicate a non-cemented replacement. Maybe putting weight on it right away is a new way of doing it?? Also, mine is a partial replacement, so maybe that could make a difference? :confused:
I wonder about that, too. I am another who is (kind of) unsure whether my replacement is cemented or not. My replacement was due to an accident and so there was no previous *planning* before it was done. When the therapist came in, the next day, I was told to put full weight on my leg as soon as I could stand it. When I returned to the doctor, I asked if it was cemented and he said it was not. I feel the *growing pains* down the front of my thigh, that I have read are a result of the bone growing into the implant, so that would indicate a non-cemented replacement. Maybe putting weight on it right away is a new way of doing it?? Also, mine is a partial replacement, so maybe that could make a difference? :confused: