too young for a hip replacement?? - Arthritis Message Board

madison55 · 05-25-2003, 06:48 PM

I would like to hear from anyone who has had hip replacement(s) and how they feel about it after going through the surgery. Especially, people considered "young" for hip replacements. I am 47 and have been told that I will eventually need both hips replaced, but that I am now too young to even consider it. In the meantime, I am in a lot of pain that anti-inflammatories will not completely control.

I would love to hear from someone who has had replacements at an earlier age than is the usual, how you came through the surgery, how it has affected your quality of life, etc. Anyone out there in the 40-something group (or younger) with new hips?

lilah · 05-27-2003, 07:33 AM

While I haven't had the replacement, I still feel compelled to answer your posting. I also was told I am too young for a new hip which I badly need. Here is what the problems are for younger folks: First and foremost the expected life of a new hip under good conditions is 8-10 years. This is major surgery and it has a significantly long recovery period (3-6 mos from what I understand); Secondly, there are problems with the current technology, even with a good and successful surgery there are problems of dislocation and problems with the glue used letting go. Either one of those things would mean a redo of the surgery prematurely. In the works but not yet developed for human use is bioceramics. A ceramic joint which your own bone would actually grow into over time making the replaced joint stronger as time went on rather than weaker. This could be just a few years away. I do know of a woman who is in her early 60s now and has had 3 hip replacements so far - the first (about 12 years ago) was great the second sheer hell as has been the 3rd. She is wheelchair bound at this point in time. I would seriously suggest asking your doctor about pain management and try to stay away from the surgery for now. Good luck to you - I know it isn't fun at all.

cthompso · 05-30-2003, 09:59 AM

You're not too young. If you have debilitating hip pain, you need to do something about it. Look at wmt.com and their new ceramic-on-ceramic hip. Most research I've seen says it lasts twice as long as any previous hip replacement, possibly 20 years maybe even 30 if you take care of it. And by then revision surgery will be much simpler. I have horrible arthritis in my hip from a football injury and I'm having hip replacement in July and I'm only 30. Is it ideal? No. But you have to do what you have to do in order to live your life.

madison55 · 05-30-2003, 08:31 PM

Hello Cthompso: Thanks so much for the information on the wmt.com site. I did not know that a ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement had been FDA approved and is actually in use ! The site was most imformative and encouraging that maybe I won't have to continue to endure this pain just because I'm only

47.
Good luck with your replacement. Thanks again for the great information. I plan to share it with my orthopedist for further discussion. Madison

kathyab · 05-30-2003, 10:08 PM

My brother had hip replacement at the age of 30..he was in pain for a number of years before the surgery. So far he is doing well and has to have the other hip done now. He doesnt work because he has to have surgery for the left hip.