Hi. I was diagnosed with the degenerative bone disease - avascular necrosis ( AVN ) - in 2001. That same here, I had two core decompression operations done - one in Aug. and one in Oct. This was done to "buy me time" before the eventual hip replacements that would be needed - and to somewhat temporarily stabilize my condition.
Anyway, its been over six years since I was first diagnosed - and the pain has become much more evident over the past few months. Has anyone else out there - in their forties or younger - been through these procedures because of AVN and since then had hip replacements? How is life like having artificial hips at such a young age - that is on both sides?
Thanks I offer this information on AVN (you may already know all this but ... just in case) and it's causes, treatment and prognosis from a website developed by an ortho surgeon (in slightly fractured English) as a service to patients.
http://totaljoints.info/hip_disease.htm#...
I note that he says that use of crutches can give some relief from pain. He also discusses core decompression and the use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein.
I've had both hips replaced but I was older than you are and I had osteoarthritis, not AVN. Although you are quite young, It isn't unheard of for a person as young as you are to need hip replacement although the reason for the replacement may tend to be different than someone who is over 60. While THR is rare in your age group, common reasons that young people (under 40) need THR are hip dysplasia and AVN as well as accidents.
I don't know if AVN sufferers qualify for hip resurfacing. It's worth an inquiry. This procedure spares the femoral head, the theory being that you can put off having THR for years plus get pain relief and have full range of motion. The device used in resurf has only recently been approved by the FDA for use in the US but it has been used for years abroad.
And there are new materials being used for the bearing of a total hip that should prove to last longer than the old standard metal/poly bearing. When you are at the point of needing THR, do inquire about ceramic/ceramic and metal/metal bearings.
As to life with two total hips - in my opinion and experience, it sure beats painful, stiff hips. I am a new person (my surgeries were 5 yrs. ago). I can walk miles, and do whatever I need to do. I have no limp, take no pain meds, & can walk miles. It takes work and time on the patient's part to prepare for surgery and rehab from it. It's not a walk in the park, but it also is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today in terms of how it relieves pain and restores function in people who would otherwise end up in a wheel-chair-bound existence. And that's true whether you're 40 or 70.
Good luck to you. MY STEP MOTHER HAD HIP REPLACESMENTS IN HER LATE 40'S AND IS DOING REALY WELL, SHE IS NOW 60 Hi
I had both my hips replaced last september. I am 24. I had it done due to rheumatoid arthritis but before they realised it was this they tested me for AVN so I know quite a lot about it as thats what they thought I had.
Its rare to do them both together but they did as im young and thought I could cope. I had metal and ceramic replacements and was out at a party after 3 months recovery. I went from not being able to walk at all totally stuck at home on lots of medication.... It was even hard for me to weight bare.... to being able to walk perfectly, wear heels, work again, dance etc.
I was very scared but the replacements have been great!
I forget I have replacements! Obviously there are a few things you cant do as they arent as good as real hips but if you are in a lot of pain and cant walk properly they feel like little miricals!
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