 Poster: A snowHead
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There’s a couple of THR threads here so chose the most recent one. My resurfacing a decade ago has reached its use-by date, so getting a cortisone shot in a few days then will work out a schedule for replacement next year.
If I understand correctly, I should plan on no impacts and minimal load bearing for 3-4 months. I’m 55, in good shape regularly cycle and use an indoor rower. Am thinking March for the operation, as I’m hoping to ski in winter 2024-25.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Jack777, You can ski after hip or knee replacement. Yes, there is a risk that a fall could cause a dislocation of the hip but anyone skiing knows there is a small risk from the sport. As long as there wasn't a problem with the hip replacement, it isn't unusually unstable and you accept a small risk of injury then it's really your decision. There are many on here ( as posted above) who ski post joint replacement. In fact there are quite a few on my knee replacement patients on here. Good luck. Jonathan Bell
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I know they are out of fashion these days, but can you ask for a resurfacing rather than a THR? You absolutely *can* ski on a resurfaced hip as the socket is 99% as good as a real one in terms of dislocation risk (according to my surgeon). I know resurfacing is still offered, but it's rarer and needs justification, but wanting to ski would be a good justificiation IMHO. I'm assuing from your username you are a man, which helps, as resurfacing failure rates are higher in women (possibly due to the smaller sizes not working so well). If the NHS won't do it I'd go private and get one (I realise that a lot of money, but think of it in terms of ski trips - a private op is about the cost of 2 or 3 ski trips in the end).
If it has to be a THR then you need as large a socket as possible, no idea if ceramic on plastic is big anough and stable enough for skiing, sorry!
I ski off-piste and tour with my resurfaced hip. I don't ski fast on piste, I avoid stressing the joints so don't (often) ski steep icy runs that would results in a lot of vibration througg the joints. To be honest I'm pretty happy sking mellow on/off piste and it seems to suit my hip just fine. I have annual checkups which require a blood test for cobalt ions, I've noticed these are slightly elevated if my blood test is directly after a ski trip, but this is just anecdotal. I mentioned it to the surgeon when he saw a bit of a spike, but even then the results were within the "allowed" range so he didn't advise me to stop skiing. This year my blood test is before any ski trips, so will be interesting to see if the figures are any lower than normal.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@sah, I had a right side resurfacing 12 years ago, and its still going strong. I dont bother with annual blood tests any more - when the joint starts to fail or wear there will be other signs (pain, redness, swelling etc).
My left hip is showing signs of arthritis now, and I consulted with my original surgeon in May 23. I will need it done at some point in the next year or so.
He used to specialise in Resurfacing for younger, more athletic people (me 12 years ago !!) but as you probably know, surgeons like to be expert in a procedure, and not just dip in and out.
As a result of drop off in demand, he now only offers THR - he said there was still one person specialising in Resurfacing up here, based in Glasgow and he is excellent - but to be honest when I get mine done I want the same surgeon as my outcome was so good last time.
My surgeon also skis and cycles, and in his opinion I can continue as I do now with a THR.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Jack777 wrote: |
| @Layne thank you for those links. I think my real question is if others got the same no skiing advice as I am but went ahead anyway. (Why would the surgeons bee saying this when there seems to be so much evidence elsewhere that it is possible to ski) |
Potentially they're covering their back bottom. If they advise against and you go and damage it then it's not their fault and can't be sued. Sad state of affairs in health care these days.
I work with several hip and knee consultants as a physio, and all use prosthesis/ fixation methods / protocols post surgery.
A larger femoral head with associated pelvic acetabuluar cup has a reduced chance of dislocation, and uncemented femoral components have less risk of loosening as they 'knit' onto the bone rather than relying on cement.
Resurfacing fell out of favour due to metal debris causing pseudo 'tumours'. I thought they were amazing when working with those consultants in Bristol 20 yrs ago and patients loved them as there were no movement restrictions. I believe Andy Murray (tennis) had one a couple of years ago so but not sure where.
Not sure if this helps your decision but good luck. Keep on skiing with care would be my decision if I was in your situation.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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My resurfacing lasted 10 years with fairly strenuous activities, on the plus side it was a very easy recovery, but eventually you'll likely need a prosthesis.
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@TJToms, Andy Murray went to Sarah Muirhead-Alwood in London. She's obviously very highly thought of, and no doubt has a waiting list. I think she only does private work.
@Pasigal, 15 years on from mine and no issues so far 
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@sah,
Ah right.
I doubt know if @Jack777 only has their NHS trust as the treatment source, or could afford private?
Many of my patients, given I work in the private sector, either have insurance or pay for the surgery themselves. Not cheap though. The bonus is you actually get a consultant operating on the day, rather than a junior, plus you can research and choose which one you want to do the chopping!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The type of operation for a THR can make the difference between skiing again or not.
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Fri 5-01-24 23:41; edited 2 times in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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This is my experience of having a hip replaced and what I was told by different doctors, surgeons and physiotherapists.
My hip pain started in April 2022 so off I went to see the NHS doctors and after x rays I was told I needed my right hip replacing.
I joined a very long waiting list.
I was told I would not be able to ski again as the risk of dislocation would be a problem.
All the medical professionals I saw through the NHS gave me this cheerful news..
The pain got so bad that in November 2022 I had a private consultation with a surgeon recommended to me by a physio who was helping me.
I paid for a Hip replacement which used the minimal invasion method and had it done at the end of November 2022.
12 hours after my surgery I was walking easily and didn't really need the crutches but used them while in hospital.
The surgeon said I would not be limited at all and could do anything I wanted but advised me not to run.
I skied in April 2023 without any issues at all.
I'm convinced that the type of procedure I had was the major factor in being able to ski again so quickly.
If anyone wants to look into this type Mr Nadim Aslam Worcestershire Knee and Hip Clinic into Google.
I hope this is of some use.
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