Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/24/2008

Question
I read your reply to Lisa regarding her 16 year old sons total hip replacement.  I have a 17 year old daughter who originally suffered a bilateral slipped upper femoral epiphysis and the right hip delveloped avascular necrosis.  After many surgeries she is now also recommended a hip replacement.  Our worry is how many whe can have in her lifetime and might she eventually still end up in a wheelchair?  Also, her concern is that as all previous operations seemed to have complications and "didn't work" in her eyes, what are the risks involved for her? Thanks.

Answer

Total hip Replacement Hello, and thanks for the question.   No doubt its highly unusual for someone as young as your daughter to have a joint replaced.
I can tell you this with the advances in joint replacement today and the material they use in both hip replacements and knee replacements, the actual replacement can last 15-20 yrs or more.
The type of replacement would be discussed with you with the orthopedic doctor as they have certain prosthesis they like to use.

I suspect the hip replacement though the last resort, may be the best thing in the long run. Their success rate is very good and will last many many years. Your daughter would not end up in a wheelchair because of the replacement I can assure you of that unless there are other complicating factors that you did not pass on here.

The replacement would curtail some of her physical activities like running or jumping other then that walking unlimited distances, golfing, bowling gardening etc...are all allowed with hip replacements.

Your daughter would get excellent physical therapy after the replacement and should be up and at it in roughly 6 weeks.Of course this depends on her overall physical condition.

With the type of replacements today she could have several if needed down the road but this is a question I would cover with the attending surgeon. It will depend on what replacement he uses to begin with and how much bone is removed etc...

Hip replacement rehab is easier then knee replacement rehab and most everybody does fine with it.

Overall risks are minimal. The only thing she may have to watch out for after surgery is to follow hip precautions so as not to dislocate it while it is healing.

Good Luck. If I can be of any further help please let me know.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida. 33950
www.totaljointfitness.com