Alberto R. Archeri (aarcheri@comsat.net.ar) added a message to the About Joints bboard:

Subject: About hips joints (kinds, trademarks,etc)

Dear Sir; I'am 50 years old and suffer of a bilateral hip arthrosis. It was diagnosed at the age of 42. I play golf and I think It may have fastened the procces. By now I can't play golf any longer due to the pain. I'am seriously thinking about the replacement surgery but I still have some doubts I'd like to clear them up. First I'd like to know what are the best joints prothesis in terms of durability, reliability, life span, comfortablity, etc. I live in Argentina where there are many good and experienced surgeons, so surely I will stay here for surgering. However I'd like to know your opinion about the two kinds of procedures I've heard of: CEMENTED OR NO CEMENTED. I'm not sure if it's the right translation but what I mean is if it has to be a glued or not joint. Thanks very much in advanced for your kindly cooperation. I will aprecciate your answer. Cordially your. Alberto R. Archeri

-- Alberto Archeri (aarcheri@comsat.net.ar), October 29, 1999

Answers

I had a laminectomy in July of 1999 since I could not walk because of leg, back pain. After all of this the pain continued, except much stronger. Went to orthopedist took x-ray of hip, I am at a grade 4 arthritis. He recommeded a non-cemented hip replacement due to my age of 50. Hip replacement prosthetis only last 10-15 years according to orthopedist. Thus, I will most likely have to have yet another replacement down the road. The cons to this non-cemented prosthetis is that you are total non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. Hopes this helps.

-- Beverly Loyd (loydlb@ellijay.com), January 13, 2000.

I have just had a total hip replacement on May 7th 2003 unfortunately I dislocated on the 8th and was in traction for a month as my mustles were so weak they could not allow the hip to stay in place,I am only 40. I had un uncememted steel on steel joint and was told that if I look after this it will last me for the rest of my life! I am now home on the ment taking each day slowly hoping that the hip will not come out again, it was just one of thoses things that the surgeon could not forsee. I am out of pain and ofcourse this is the main reason for total hip surgery in my opinion. Any one who is going to undergo hip replacement should go ahead and get on with your lives.

-- Tina Ventre (shoprider215@aol.com), August 06, 2003.

I am 37 y/o and i find IN 2001 after 10 heavy walkin tours of amsterdam to be in the hip replacement market years before i had snowboarded semiprofessionally and i guess the impact dammage wasnt obviouse at that time i have A vascular necrosis of the right femoral head AND HAVE USED HEAVY PAIN MEDS ON AND OFF AS I HAVE BEEN VERY SCEPTICAL ABOUT GETTING ANY PART OF MY BODY CUT OUT I CAN STILL MANAGE TO WALK BUT NOT FAR WITHOUT PAIN I AHAVE A 3 Y/O SON AND I CAN CARRY HIM TO BED BUT RUNNING IS OUT OF THE QUESTION EVEN A LONG MALL TRIP IS A DRAG I USE CRUTCHES TO HELP THE HIP LAST I AM STILL MORE WILLING TO BE ON MEDS THAN GET CUT EVEN THOUGH I AM ONLY SEMI MOBILE WHAT DO YOU THINK

-- kevin ehrenworth (kehrenworth@sbcglobal.net), December 13, 2003.

You should visit this website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/hip/hiprepqa.htm

-- Robert Toussie (RobertToussie@aol.com), March 15, 2004.