Options after Vascularized Bone Grafts?

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My partner has bi-lateral AVN and underwent FVBG's on both hips at Duke in 1998. Our understanding is that it has helped keep his anatomy in tact (he was only 34 at the time) but no pain relief. We are now exploring options. we welcome others'experiences and/or suggestions regarding surgical options and specifically with resurfacing and total hip replacements post vascularized bone grafts. Thank you.

-- Carolyn Wills (cajoy123456@yahoo.com), April 14, 2004

Answers

Carolyn: I am a 40 year old female and was diagnosed with bi-lateral AVN in March of 2003. I was referred to Duke (Dr. Urbaniak) for a free fibular vasularized bone graft which I had done in May of 2003. After 6 months of partial weight bearing on crutches, I still had pain. They wanted to schedule me for the other hip but I refused as it obviously did not work. I have since found a great surgeon in Florida who told me that I was too far collapsed for the graft, that he has never seen them work and I should have never been a candidate. I also saw an AVN specialist at Mayo who told me the same thing. Oh well, hind sight... At the beginning of April I underwent my first hip replacement. What a difference! I am having my second one done in June. Please tell your partner that the hip replacement is a BREEZE and is nothing compared to the graft. I do not know the degree of collapse your partner has, but it sounds like he is a candidate for the replacement. I know the revisions are supposed to be terrible, but who knows what the technology will be in 10-15 years? I was only in hospital for 2 days with the replacement, used crutches for 2 days and walked normally from then on. Good luck to you guys. I know what a blow this can be to people, especially at our YOUNG ages! Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

-- Sarah Lizotte (lizottesarah@hotmail.com), May 13, 2004.

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