FVFG - Does anyone here have any statistics on them?

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Lately, our support group has seen a great increase in the number of newly diagnosed AVN patients below the age of 30. It seems that many of them are considering the Free Vascularized Fibular Graft (FVFG) option, given their young age and the desire on their doctors' behalves to avoid total hip replacement surgery. My question is just how successful is this FVFG surgery? By that I mean does anyone here have any statistics on (1) the number of FVFGs performed in the past 10 years and the percentage that have so far successfully avoided needing a hip replacement and (2) what is the percentage of those done in the past 10 to 20 years that have successfully avoided needing a replacement? What is so disturbing to me is the increase that I see of the number of younger patients, yet thankfully finding their way to us. Almost all of them are desperately trying to avoid a replacement due to their young age, and they are asking questions that are very difficult to answer. Thank you. Marie Shanahan, ON/AVN Support Group Int'l, Founder/Director and NONF, Exec. Director

-- Marie Shanahan (AVNrie@aol.com), October 31, 2003

Answers

I am a 38 y/o male about to an FVFG.I am really worried about the pain and recovery time.

-- Jeff Walters (JDW901@aol.com), March 02, 2004.

I had the FVFG one year ago on my left hip. I was 27 at the time. I am doing really well right now. I have slight pain, but mostly an ache instead of a pain. I do not take any medicine for pain and I am able to perform normal day to day activities. I hope this helps. Thanks.

-- Crystal Hudson (dshudson2@alltel.net), June 24, 2004.

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