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Have Two Damaged Discs In Lower Back. Can I Go For Hip Replacement?
Question: I just got a letter from my Doctor stating that he can no longer help me with my pain management. I have been seeing him for over ten years. I have two damaged discs in my lower back, and I have a hip that is going bad. I am only 46 years old, to young for a hip replacement, and I don't want to have my back fused yet.
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
From the description, it seems that you are more concerned with your back than the hip (if i have understood correctly). You have not mentioned clearly whether you have only back pain or leg pain also (radiating down from back up to toes).
OK. Let me educate you a little bit about your back. In a degenerated spine, along with the discs, the facet joints also get degenerated (hypertrophy) which is usually the cause for back pain. In addition, this can be effectively treated with "fusion". Generally, fusion of either single or two levels will not cause any restriction of spinal movements. If you are having leg pain also, it will be dealt by performing discectomy. Making a point about analgesics, it is detrimental for the kidneys (analgesic nephropathy) if taken over a prolonged period.
Coming to the second part of your question regarding your hip, there are newer generation of "bearings" (like ceramic on ceramic) which will last longer when compared to conventional "polyethylene" component. So go ahead and follow the advice of your consultant doctor.
Hope I have addressed your issues. Happy to help if you have any more queries. Good day
From the description, it seems that you are more concerned with your back than the hip (if i have understood correctly). You have not mentioned clearly whether you have only back pain or leg pain also (radiating down from back up to toes).
OK. Let me educate you a little bit about your back. In a degenerated spine, along with the discs, the facet joints also get degenerated (hypertrophy) which is usually the cause for back pain. In addition, this can be effectively treated with "fusion". Generally, fusion of either single or two levels will not cause any restriction of spinal movements. If you are having leg pain also, it will be dealt by performing discectomy. Making a point about analgesics, it is detrimental for the kidneys (analgesic nephropathy) if taken over a prolonged period.
Coming to the second part of your question regarding your hip, there are newer generation of "bearings" (like ceramic on ceramic) which will last longer when compared to conventional "polyethylene" component. So go ahead and follow the advice of your consultant doctor.
Hope I have addressed your issues. Happy to help if you have any more queries. Good day
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1996
Answered : 2148 Questions
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