Hip Disease Advice

[Theland]

What would you say? Just got back from the hospital with my 16 year old son, who has had "Perthes" disease of the left hip for six years and four operations. His new specialist tells him that to address his often terrible pain there are three options:-
1)Carry on as now taking pain killer drugs.
2)A hip replacement which will wear out in 10 years (second and thirds are more difficult to accomplish)
3)Hip fusion - immobilise the hip with an operation and save the artificial hip option for his middle age? My son was a great footballer playing for two teams until he got this, and is fed up with pain, a permanent limp, hospitals, and just wants to be normal. His initial reaction is to opt for the hip replacement, but I have to get him to focus on what he will do in middle age. What should I advise him? I think the fusion is the best option for now, but he thinks I'm trying to advise him to not take the chance to be normal again! Lots of sleep lost over this. We have until 27/02/07 to make the decision, which will be my sons decision, not mine, but, he is excited at the prospect of normality, and disregarding the future implications. OK I know you are not medical people, (or maybe some are) but I need to give excellent advice, and I suppose I'm just thinking aloud. Anyway, thanks for listening to me.

[noxlumos]

hi theland, I'm afraid I'm with your son on this, I'd go for the hip replacement now. That will give him until he's at least 26 maybe 30 with a normal life, but which time hopefully 2nd and 3rd replacements will have improved considerably. This is the best part of his life coming up plus he will be aware that he might not be able to do certain things as well past say age 30 ish, so he can maximise what he wants to do now. I think it's a fairly clear choice, although a hard one, that he should have his teens and young adulthood as fully mobile and normal as possible. Sorry to hear about it by the way.

[scoobysoo]

Hi Theland. Sorry to hear about what you and your son must be going through. I have to say, I agree with you that the fusion option sounds like the best idea. At the same time, I can (just about) remember what it's like being a teenager, and wanting instant results (I still do!). I doubt whether he can see past being 18 let along being middle-aged, so it must be tough. Does he have any sensible mates that you could have a quiet word with and get them to put the fusion idea forward. It might get through better that way. Otherwise, you just have to make it clear that he knows all the facts, all of the possible outcomes, and that you are there to support him and help him find out any information he needs. Good Luck x

[matty1]

I would go for the hip replacement then in 10 to 15 years then look for a hip fusion. I also had perthes disease but it was'nt as severe as yours sons but I know what your going through. I wish you and your son well whatever you decide.

[cherrybomb]

My daughter aged 14 has suffered from 'Rheumatoid Arthritis' for 7 years now and over time her big toe had become deformed making walking very slow and painful.
She has just had a fusion of her left big toe just before Christmas and sailed through the operation and recovery in fact she almost ran out of school the other day, something I haven't seen her do for a long time, and I will not hesitate to have the right toe done should it become as bad as the left.
But we were told by the orthopedic surgeon prior to her op that she will never be able to wear high heels and in the future the metal plate and screws may have to be removed as in some fusions they can become a problem.
The hip is a much more important joint than the toe and I don't know how much immobility a hip fusion will cause your son so I wouldn't even try to advise you on your options (apart from don't choose opotion 1). I just wanted you to know about my daughters recent experience and hope it helps in some small way with you and your son's decision.

[porfavour]

Hi Theland,
As a mother of a teenager I can fully understand your concerns. I've been into your question a few times today, each time wondering if I could help you in anyway.
I know that ultimately its your sons decision, but he is still so young to decide what's best for the rest of his life.
Should he decide to go for the hip replacement now, which looks most likely, when it needs replacing he will be mentally prepared for the diagnosis. He will also understand that he has to make the most of the next 10 years.
Ten years is a long time in medical advancement, I really hope by then there will be a better solution.
Big hug.

[Theland]

Thank you all for your comments.
As I am sure you will appreciate, my son looks up to me for advice, and although the final decision is his alone, he will be swayed by what I say.
I am tortured by the thought that whatever I say will be wrong. But thank you all so much, it is comforting to read your comments.

[bednobs]

hi, i know its not quite t he same, but i am relatively young (32) and have had a hip replacement. It was fab! and things are great now. i would be willing to corresspond with him by email if it will help?