Hip replacement & Cerebral Palsy - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

CPQUESTION · 07-08-2005, 04:12 PM

Hi I am a 33yr old male with CP. My main problem is a dislocation of the left hip which is slightly subluxated. My doctors here in Ireland are somewhat reluctant to give me a total hip replacemnet as they say that the spasticity of the muscles will interfere with the surgery thereby contributing to a loosening of the artificial hip joint.

I am most anxious to know of any latest research into this problem. How can the spasticity issue be addressed effectively? Are there case studies of people with CP who have had a hip replacement and if so what are the results? Also how long can a new hip last in someone with CP? Would it be longer than normal(ie person with CP will not be as active as an able bodied person). Are ceramic hips the better option here as opposed to the conventional metal on metal or metal on plastic?

Any information would be most welcome as I am anxious to reach a resolution to this problem and lead an independent life.

Thanks,
Kevin

Ripanco · 07-09-2005, 08:43 AM

Hi Kevin,

Wow, I am afraid I can't offer you any advice, since your situation is completely out of my realm. But I do want to send you my very best wishes on finding the answeres to your questions! Have you done a google search on CP and THP? It would seem like they could use the right combination of drugs to contol the muscle spasticity during surgery but I am really clueless there.

I would think you need to make the call cause only you can decide on your quality of life. Tough call. Do your hips go out often? Is there a way to hold them in better than THR? Wish I had some kind of answere for you, but I just don't. I do wish you the very best of luck finding the best solution, however. Please keep us posted on what you find.

CPQUESTION · 07-09-2005, 03:13 PM

Thanks Ripanco. Yes, this is a bit of a bummer but I am determined to find the solution to this problem. I have done searches on THR & CP before but results have been limited. Anyway, I trust that God will help me find the answer. My left hip doesn't pain me a lot but it's a pain in the you-know-what and I know I could get on so much better if it was fixed. I am going to try all I can and one thing is for sure-I will NOT accept second best and am determined to lead a normal life and to walk. Once again thank you for taking the time to reply and I will keep everyone posted of how I get on.

Kevin.