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From: John B
Date: 01 Jun 2001
Time: 00:13:56
Remote Name: 24.94.30.44
Hi: I have bilateral CHD, left hip is worse but pain was in right hip, making it so I couldn't make it through the supermarket without major limp. I thought it was back pain, saw an orthopod who after x-rays referred me to a hip guy in his practice. He said it was just a matter of time before I would have THR's, but that I had the option of a special procedure performed by a few doctors around the world, a periacetabular osteotomy. Not everyone qualifies and getting it done sooner than later is better before osteoarthritis kicks in and makes the surgery contraindicated. I'm 45 so I'm a bit late in the game, but they do it up to 60 (rarely), and I'm in good shape (second degree tae kwon do), with minimal arthritis degeneration. It's very specialized. My original Doc referred me on because we just happen to have one of the most experienced surgeons here in San Diego. It is a major operation compared to a THR. (unbelievable when you see it on the x-ray) I researched it pretty thoroughly, plus I interviewed patients. Just got a PAO done 6 weeks ago. Not like a THR. Long recovery (6-8 mos), been on crutches, no weight bearing (heal toe touching the floor OK) walking with crutches for 5 weeks, getting ready to put weight on it in next couple of weeks. So far, everything looks to be on track, no major complications, manageable pain. Hopefully it will last for 20+ years. It also positions the acetabula (hip socket) so it's better for a THR later if needed.
Will update as I go.