hip replacement or fusion

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Hi,my name is Eric.I am 40 years old. I had a auto accident on 8/24/03.I had two broken legs,broke forearm,and a shattered hip.The femoral head is screwed together but out of place.My doctor told me at first I could have a hip replacemant done,then came back and said they would not do one that a fusion would be better.They are refusing to do a hip replacement,so I ask for a refural for a second opinion down at Washington Univerity St.Louis.He said this as he was walking out the door-I'll give you one, but if you go down there you stay down we have enough business here-here beening Carle Hospial in Champaign,Illinois.After hearing that I lost all confidence in my doctor and went for a second opinion and they said they would do a hip replacement and felt like a fusion would not work.Now I'll have to battle the insurance company because Barnes hospial is out of network.Does anybody know about doctors at Barnes?Is hip replacement better than a fusion?If hip replacement does not hold can a fusion be done?If anyone can help I would appreciate it greatly. Sincerely, Eric Young

-- Eric Young (billpatyoung@cell1net.net), May 03, 2004

Answers

Hi Eric,

I currently have a fused hip. I was in a bicycle accident when I was 12 and that was the solution. Now at 34, I am scheduled to have a hip replacement in a few weeks. The issue is that over time, the other joints in your body have to compensate for the hip, especially the back and knees.

Having a fusion is pretty rare and it was difficult for me to find a doctor that has ever taken on down.

I finally, found one at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN.

I have found a small group of people all looking to have a replacement in now so if you are interested I would be happy to send you additional information. I also found one person who has now had the hip replacement after the fusion.

The fusion really limits movement - can't bend, sit, lay or walk properly. I probably was the best thing for me years ago but if the replacement is an option for you, I would really investigate it.

I wish you the best, and again if you have any other questions, feel free to email me.

Thanks, Denise

-- Denise (deniseanelson@comcast.net), June 26, 2004.


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