Ceramic BMHRs

The McMinn Centre has released some information about the Ceramic BMHR.  This is pretty exciting for people that have metal allergies that preclude them from being suitable candidates for the MOM BMHR or resurfacing.  I'm sure we'll see more information about this prosthesis as it becomes available!

Derek McMinn addresses Metal on Metal AZ May 2011

Patient Advocate of BHR's, Vicky Marlow has interviewed Mr Derek McMinn at the recent Arizona Orthopaedic Conference and compiled the information on her site here:  McMinn on Metal on Metal

I haven't read the information in full yet as I'm in the process of actually getting a post together covering what has happened this week.  I'm sure it will be an educational read.

Mr McMinn comments on ABC's Four Corners bash up of hip resurfacing

There was a recent Four Corners program that was rather negative about hip resurfacing and metal on metal prostheses.  It focuses on the ASR device that has been recalled and applies these statistics across a field of other devices that have had significant success.  (Like the side note of the post 'Six Week Surgical Review', the negative effects of metal ions are overstated compared with research based evidence using larger sample sizes)

Mr McMinn responds to the program with an article on his website: http://www.mcminncentre.co.uk/response-abc-corners-program.html
(McMinn invented the BMHR that I have and has had great successes with his previous invention the BHR resurfacing device.  He is regarded as an expert in the field by many and above average survivorship rates clearly support this)

The key statements that resonated with me are:
"It would be unfortunate if the adverse results from a few ill-designed, poorly implanted devices are allowed to throw this excellent treatment option into disrepute."
"It must be remembered however that component malposition is a cause of failure and should be avoided. Choose your device and your surgeon carefully."  

Well designed, well implanted devices have changed so many lives for the better.  I hope that people looking at resurfacing consider all the research out there and not just the sensational media reports.

The Birmingham Mid Head Resection (BMHR)

The goal is to have a left and right Birmingham Mid Head Resection (BMHR) completed on the 8th April.

After the right hip is completed, the surgeon and anaesthetist will chat and make sure that all is good to proceed with the left.  The right is where I experience most of the pain and it will be a great relief to be without this, though I will be very disappointed if I wake up with just one done.  Obviously the doctors will make the decision based on what is best for me and I would rather wake up disappointed than take unnecessary risk.

Depending on the bone quality and the degree that the protrusio affects the procedure, the surgeon may elect to complete a total hip replacement instead.  This again is not ideal as the BMHR is preferred for younger more active patients. The surgeon has suggested that I take a look at the McMinn Centre website for more information and I have found the site a wealth of information.  An update in recent months includes a lot more video testimonials which are interesting to watch.  I would like some more from some less active people (ie. not highly sporting).