Fantastic reading guys. I am learning more about my posterior THR then when I made the decision. I have an uncemented titanium post and socket with ceramic head. My doctor told me that the ceramic head allowed for a much larger joint that alleviates most of the dislocation and wear issues of previous replacements. He said that with the new technology the hips are predicted to last 30 years with normal use but that all tests have been outside the body so it will take a number of years to know the real results inside the body.
The end of December I will be 18 months post op. My surgeon gave me full go ahead to run….but said he wouldn’t recommend marathons….which I am okay with since I have “been there-done that”. He said at my age when I had my surgery 64, I wouldn’t wear it out. I find it interesting that he said “wear it out” verses “break it”. “Break it” never entered any of our conversations which leads me to believe that he has zero concerns with it breaking.
I have several friends who are lifelong runners….Todd ran a 2:16 marathon when we were younger….who have had hips replaced. Some choose not to run, some like Todd run up to 20 miles per week on three runs plus bike, others like myself continue running/racing. It is a matter of what is important to keeping your active lifestyle and mental approach to life healthy.
I wrote a detailed blog earlier in this forum about my return from surgery. An update to my slow build back, I am now running between 55 to 65 miles per week, biking 75 to 100 per week and swimming 3 to 4k per week. I am utilizing the 80/20 training book written by Matt Fitzgerald to train for the Atlanta half marathon the end of February with a goal of sub 2 hours….I ran 1:09 in the 1980s for reference. I will then use my return to running as a launch to the 70.3 triathlon season and an attempt to qualify for the age group world championships, which I have done each 5 years since turning 50. Pending my results this year….I may attempt to again try to qualify for the full Ironman distance world championships when I turn 70. I was trying to qualify for this when I twist broke my leg back in 2011 and lead to my THR in 2020.
I mention all of the above because it is what gets me excited, keeps me focused and healthy and young to chase my grandkids around…..as the guys mentioned above it is all about what keeps you healthy, motivated and active. It is all about choices.
Lastly I have had zero hip issues, other than mobility which is a result of years of favoring it and tightness from the return after surgery. But even without the surgery mobility is something we all need to be aware of and work as we age.
Good luck, great discussion and as my surgeon said….let pain be your guide whatever you choose to do after the replacement.
Oh one last thing….my neighbor who had hip replacement surgery 30+ years ago with the old technology had to have revision surgery last year because the post in his femur became loose and started to move sideways. Prior to revision surgery he was active but only walking and doing yard work. He is 80 years old and is doing fine since his revision surgery. None of my friends who have had the new type of hips have had revisions, but that should be expected since they have only had them done in the last 5 to 10 years.