Posted by Holly on April 21, 2004 at 08:17:03:
In Reply to: 21 year old woman with perthes posted by Erin on March 25, 2004 at 19:08:16:
I am 24 and got a hip replacement 5 months ago due to perthes. There are many Dr's who will not do replacements on patients in their 20's. You may have to go to a few different ones to find one who is willing to do it. I received a complete ceramic replacement......they say that it wears better for younger patients. I also recieved an uncemented replacement which is easier when it comes time to get a revision. My surgeon hopes that my replacement will last 15-20 years, the more active you are and having children with the replacement can shorten the life of it however. Another thing to keep in mind.....if you have lost alot of movement in your hip due to the perthes ( i was unable to bend my hip....etc) it takes alot of time and hard work to get the muscles moving again and to that movemnt back.....don't expect miracles. I did....and discovered quickly that this was going to be a long process. I am happy that i got the replacement done though....i have no pain now....and that's really what it is all about. Good luck and keep us posted!