John's  Revision of BHR to THR

January 9, 2000

Hi Pat,

I hope that you are well.

I just thought I would email you personally with information for your file and research that has sadly led to me having a revision from BHR to THR. The reason was due to malpositioning of the acetabular cup and femoral component by my surgeon.

My surgeon had carried out over 480 hip resurfaces but for some reason a bad day at the office lead to my BHR only lasting 5 months. I have attached to x-rays (photos of my x-rays).Sorry for bad quality. I had the anterolateral approach. He has been very supportive to me since the extent of the problem was diagnosed and even encouraged me to have my revision with Doctor De Smet. He has told me I was his first problem with hip resurfacing.

I had my revision surgery in Belgium by Doctor De Smet in Dec. He was fantastic and the staff at the Villa were brilliant. It was a very difficult time for me to have my second major surgery in 6 months however Doctor De Smet felt that my original BHR was a disaster (his words) and I was better off not waiting long to have a revision as the steep angle and not being recessed enough was causing muscles and soft tissue damage along with elevated metal ions. Along with the cup malpositioning the femoral head was in an anteverted position causing a tight feeling and making it very difficult to walk straight and without pain.

I am 43 and although I tried to avoid a THR with my hip resurfacing last summer I am now the proud owner of a Wright medical Conserve THR with BFH. I am walking without crutches or cane at 6 weeks. I have learned a lot from this experience. Most of all I have learned that I really should have used the most experienced surgeon I could find first time. I have read so much about this on your web site but it is true. This is a complicated operation for any surgeon. If it goes wrong the revision experience is pretty tough. Please keep preaching this message to people contemplating hip resurfacing.

Well thanks my story and I thought it might interest you with your research.

Best wishes.

John (Revision)