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From: AMJ
Date: 17 Feb 2001
Time: 17:46:32
Remote Name: 65.0.161.128
I had a fused hip 26 years ago when I was 18. The total hip had recently been invented and was not an appropriate solution. At that time I could barely walk and was in deep trouble. The fusion saved me at that time. My understanding is that it is rare to have hip fusion in this day and age due to the evolution of total hips & anti inflamatory medicine. I skied post fusion, hiked etc. I made the correct choice, but there are downsides - Long term you run a high risk of lower back damage and the lack of motion in your hip will cause damage to your knees- (I have had numerous femoral and tibial osteotomies to correct for the leg torque. Also a hip fusion cannot be taken down effectively as the muscle will have atrophied beyond use, you will use height in the hip thereby shortening your leg and you run the risk of infection (as always). I for the record have the "perfect fusion" and am in the medical books as a result. I am thankful for walking but I suggest looking for an alternative.