Richard – About Me

It’ll be the hip that’s the limiting factor. Be aware there are new hips that have hard wearing components and are uncemented as they have a unique bond with the bone. THEY ARE DESIGNED SOECIFICALLY for younger active people. My advice – cancel your op and find a surgeon who will implant the very best materials. Since my op 6 years ago I’ve run 248 Parkrun’s (5k) with a 17.30 minute average as a 48 year old. A better average than Pre op!! But my surgeon specialises in getting people back to sport and do he uses the best – all on the NHS. He is Mr Acton at Royal a Surrey

Well it’s worth knowing what hips the trust finance. How many athletes has the surgeon got back to competitive/recreational activity? What is the hospital trust guidance on ‘younger hip patients’. Why is something like a Furlong Evolution Ceramic on ceramic not being considered? What rules you out of having such an implant?
What is the long term data on the hip you are being given? How many are still in situ at 20 years follow up? How many are revised? What actually IS he considering for you?

All relevant questions that would inform you why running is not advised after the op. I’ve followed up about 30 hip patients who have had a modern uncemented’hip for life’ and all were back running and cycling with the blessing of their surgeon within 3 months!

Due to genetic arthritis, 5 years ago I had a THR right hip. The first ortho told me I’d never run again. I went for a second opinion and was told as long as I keep my muscles strong I could run but not over due. Example lots of marathons. Since then, I’ve run numerous 5k’s, my first half, And three 10 milers.
Now, I’m 63-1/2, and just had my left hip done, again due to arthritis. Three weeks post op tomorrow. Both were posterior to lessen the likelihood of nerve damage (I did research as to which way was better and why).
Different surgeon, for distance convenience and am extremely pleased with the outcome. I’m told to keep my muscles active and strong and I will be
Running by spring!!!

Good luck to you! Get a second opinion and keep up with the preop muscle-strengthening exercises. You’ll be ruining again if that is what you truly want!!

In answer to your question about the worry of wearing out the bearing materials, for me it is both yes and no. I have a metal/metal resurfacing from 5 years ago and a ceramic/ceramic THR nearly 30 months old. I know this bearing will not wear out, but I do have concerns about the metal stem in the femur, not being as mechanically perfect as the resurfacing. The metal bearing will wear with use, and some people are sensitive to the metal ions being released, but this can be detected by 3-yearly blood tests (fine at the moment). Both of these concerns have stopped me upping mileage to previous levels (marathons and ultras) but like Michael have carried on with parkruns and shorter races up to 10 miles with no problems.
I reckon you might be lined up for a ceramic/cross-linked polythene bearing, which seems to be the best price/performance device nowadays. The polythene wears very slowly, should last at least 20 years, and should be replaceable. What I think you don’t want is a cemented stem (Exeter hip?) like my sister-in-law has recently had, she seems to have been told not to run or do impact exercise.
Full disclosure – I am nearly 69, so unlikely to wear anything out in the rest of my active life, at your age I can appreciate your concerns. Your surgeon is the person who could reassure you, the hospital has to cover themselves…
Good luck, and keep us updated,

Pete

Greetings Richard,

I’m new to this site and just had a left THR anterior approach two weeks ago tomorrow. It’s a ceramic ball with a polyethylene cup. Recovery is going well and I expect to hang up my cane by the end of this week.

Obviously I can’t speak as to the longevity of the device, but I can tell you that the opinions from doctors, physical therapists and the like can vary greatly regarding what you can and cannot do with a THR. So much so that it can be frustrating and at times discouraging.

The surgeon that diagnosed me with severe osteoarthritis at 41 told me my that my running days were over, to call him when I need a replacement and then walked out of the room. A year later I went to my current surgeon due to changing insurance and really lucked out. He sat and talked with me at length about my condition and my options. He told me that I could live my life, run, ski and even ride my dirt bike with no issues.

Sure, I could need a revision down the road, but the current average wear rate on the newer devices is 3% over 15 years. He explained that they only have roughly 15 years of data on them, but it’s quite possible that I may never need a revision. Furthermore, He explained that the new hip is modular and that the bearing components can be revised without having to remove the metal parts from the femur and pelvis. Of course this depends on if they are still tight inside the bone, which he said is likely if I stay healthy and we catch any excessive wear early.

The physical therapist I saw pre-surgery told me that she has never heard of anyone running after a THR and looked at me sideways when I told her I ride dirt bikes. Wow!!!..was I annoyed, discouraged and frustrated after leaving that appointment. So much so that I was ready to cancel the surgery. Then I found this site and was inspired!!! Read through these posts if you haven’t….these guys are amazing!!!

I’m going to listen to them, my surgeon and my new physical therapist who agrees that I can do whatever I want if I put the work in on my recovery. I’m convinced now that it’s up to me not someone’s opinion on what I can and cannot do with my new hip. And like everyone here will tell you….listen to your hip during recovery. I’m two weeks in and have overdone it a couple times. I’m not going to run until my surgeon clears me (12 weeks) and I’m not skiing or riding the dirt bike until my joint capsule heals (6 mos). Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Will