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A Guide for Adults with Hip Dysplasia

A guide for adults with hip dysplasia book cover

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9872152-0-8
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9872152-1-5

Hip Links


Foreword

Being diagnosed with hip dysplasia in adult life often comes as a significant shock. This may be because for a long time symptoms may be reasonably manageable, and then the hip suddenly decompensates, and pain and disability become more of an issue. Often the condition may go undiagnosed for a considerable period of time, with subtle abnormalities not being recognised on x-rays. When it comes to the realization that a major surgical procedure is required to correct the problem, this can be very daunting.

Unlike for total joint replacement surgery, there is much less information generally available regarding hip dysplasia and the surgical treatment of this. The relatively lengthy rehabilitation following surgery puts a lot of added stress on families and work commitments. This book provides much needed background information for those diagnosed with this condition, and provides considerable detail in terms of what can be expected during the hospital admission and rehabilitation afterwards. I am sure that being provided with such comprehensive information will make future patients feel less fearful of what lays ahead, and benefit their recovery and rehabilitation.

Mr Johan Witt
FRCS FRCS(Orth)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
The London Clinic



Out in Public:


Explaining what happened and why you're on crutches or a walking stick can be tiresome, especially when you are saying it for what seems like the thousandth time a day, you may feel like wearing a label or t-shirt that just says it all so you don't have to! What you say really depends on your personality, how much you want people to know, and who you are telling. Most people understand what a hip replacement is and that it is usually for arthritis, but will not know what dysplasia is, even fewer people (if any) will understand what a PAO is or other types of osteotomy. Arpine, 28 USA


When I used crutches and a wheelchair post-PAO, I felt like most people were curious about what happened to me, because there is no cast. I definitely got more respect from people when I was using the wheelchair, such as people opening doors for me or moving out of my way, because they probably thought my condition was more serious, than when I was on crutches. My husband also said that everyone stared me when I was in the wheelchair, but probably mostly out of curiosity. Melanie, 29 USA



Having PAO screws removed:


I had right screws removed when I had my left PAO. They were bothering me when I rolled over onto my stomach in bed. It was a piece of cake - I don't remember feeling any pain, maybe just some soreness to touch afterwards. The left screws were removed when I had my right hip scoped, (labral repair and femoral osteoplasty). They weren't really bothering me, but I wanted them out since I would be going under anesthesia anyway. Again, it was a piece of cake. Lara, 40 USA


I had both sets of screws removed at the same time (1 year after my left PAO, 1.5 years after my right PAO). The process was very easy - general anaesthetic, two 1 cm incisions along PAO scar line on each side, no real pain after just a bit sore on the incision site. No problems walking afterwards. The screws were not really bothering me but I could feel them which was a bit strange! Annick, 47 UK


Table of Contents

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  • Dedication
  • Foreword by Mr Johan Witt
  • Abbreviations
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgements
  • Our personal thanks
  • Introduction

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Hip Dysplasia - 1

  • What is hip dysplasia?
  • The egg cup analogy
  • How common is DDH?
  • Why wasn 't it picked up when I was a child?
  • Why have I got it? Causes and risk factors
  • Diagnosis
  • The impact of diagnosis
  • Physical consequences
  • Social consequences
  • DDH and exercise

Chapter 2: Hip Anatomy and Imaging - 15

  • Hip anatomy
  • Imaging methods

Chapter 3: Non-Surgical Options - 27

  • Watchful waiting
  • Change of lifestyle
  • Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
  • Analgesia (pain relief)
  • Keeping a symptom diary
  • Non-pharmacological pain relief

Chapter 4: Surgical Treatments - 43

  • Day surgery vs. inpatient stays
  • Hip arthroscopy
  • Osteotomies
  • Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)
  • Femoral osteotomy
  • Hip resurfacing
  • Total hip replacement (THR)
  • Revision hip replacement
  • Deciding when to have surgery
  • Work and study
  • Family issues
  • Complications from surgery

Chapter 5: Disability and Pain - 77

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Increase in pain
  • Mobility and functioning
  • What you can do to help your condition
  • Pain relief

Chapter 6: The Practicalities of Disability - 91

  • Disability parking
  • Coping without a permit
  • What are you parking there for?!
  • Driving
  • Out and about
  • Concerts and sporting events
  • Health insurance
  • Government disability benefits

Chapter 7: The Emotional Journey - 105

  • Emotional responses
  • Validation
  • Coping strategies
  • The positive thinking myth
  • Creative approaches
  • Scars
  • Childhood experiences

Chapter 8: Young Adults with DDH - 139

Chapter 9: Other People - 145

  • Genetic consequences
  • Responses to DDH
  • Chronic pain and reactions to it
  • Partners
  • Children
  • Talking to others
  • Workplace negotiations

Chapter 10: Proactive Strategies - 169

  • Emotional preparation
  • Being informed
  • Keeping a medical journal
  • Your medical team
  • Finding a good surgeon
  • Your first visit
  • Second opinions
  • Changing doctors

Chapter 11: Preparing for Surgery - 187

  • Information sessions
  • Preparing physically
  • Supplements
  • Your medical history
  • Pre-admission clinic
  • Stopping regular medications
  • Disability aids
  • Going solo
  • Lining up support
  • Arranging time off
  • Out and about after a THR

Chapter 12: Packing for Hospital - 217

  • The most important things to bring
  • Extras to consider
  • What to leave behind
  • More suggestions and experiences
  • The Bare Bones List

Chapter 13: Surgery and Hospital - 231

  • Surgery day
  • Pre-operative procedures
  • Anaesthetics
  • Surgery
  • The first night
  • Hospital routine
  • Post-op pain management
  • Menstruation
  • Washing and dressing
  • Room-mates
  • Visitors

Chapter 14: Recovery at Home - 259

  • Travelling home
  • Back home
  • Physical recovery
  • The emotional roller coaster

Chapter 15: Living with your New Hip - 297

  • THR hip restrictions
  • Hip restriction tips and tricks
  • PAO hip restrictions
  • Resurfacing restrictions
  • Permanent hip restrictions
  • Serious THR complications

Chapter 16: Back to Normal Life - 321

  • Alcohol
  • Caring for family
  • Driving
  • Exercise
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Public transport and events
  • Sex
  • Shopping
  • Work

Chapter 17: Finding Help Online - 343

  • Online support groups
  • Medical information online
  • How to spot pseudo-science sites
  • Charities
  • Finding a surgeon online

Chapter 18: For Carers - 359

  • What caring involves
  • Surgeries for hip dysplasia
  • A balancing act
  • Some practical tips
  • Comments from the hippies
  • Suggestions for the patient

Chapter 19: DIY Projects - 377

  • Bed ladder
  • Baking soda poultice
  • Dry shampoo
  • Heat pack
  • Easy peasy heat pack
  • Ice pack
  • Freja's Dressing Clips
  • Walking stick and crutch decorations
  • Knitted stick cosies
  • Knitted neck bag
  • Photographing and copying x-rays
  • Information cards

End matter - 395

  • Glossary - 395
  • Recommended Reading and Listening - 403
  • Cited References - 404
  • Index - 411

Reader Reviews


Quotations

Here are just a few examples of the sorts of quotations we have in A Guide for Adults with Hip Dysplasia, from real hip dysplasia patients. There are over 400 such quotations in the book. These are some of the 'extra' ones that didn't make it into the book (for space considerations):



Deciding when to have surgery:


I waited while I learned the true extent of the disease and damage to my joint. I was diagnosed by the orthopedic surgeon, then went to Dr. F for discussion of surgery. Once Dr. F explained the poor prognosis and amount of disease in my joint, I knew it was now or never and I decided to jump. Lisa, 40 USA


After my diagnosis (labral tear, cyst and DDH), I was referred to Mr A as my consultant felt that I would probably need a PAO. So, as a result I did have five or six weeks to think about my condition before I saw Mr A. An important part of my decision was my financial situation. My employer pays my full salary for six months whilst I am off sick. I also felt that otherwise I was physically fit and healthy. And finally, my boyfriend, who I live with, was unemployed and could look after me, if needs be. Dani, 42 UK


I got my diagnosis probably four months before I decided to have surgery. By the time I got in to see the orthopedic surgeon, I was in so much pain, my life had been so disrupted from my pain, and I felt like I had tried everything else. I scheduled my surgery date when I first met with my OS. Meghan, 28 USA


Due to my young age at the time, I opted to wait for a hip replacement until the pain was unbearable and my quality of life was impacted due to severe pain. Cathy, 39 USA



Getting help after surgery:


It's not so much that you need help after surgery, with personal stuff like showering or whatever (I didn't anyway), it's more you can't really stand to cook or prepare a meal, or carry a washing basket up or downstairs, or do normal household type chores. Online food shopping and delivery was a godsend and I made full use of that. Interestingly I found that by the time my third hip op in two years came round, people (friends, neighbours, etc) were actually less forthcoming in offering help/lifts to places - but possibly I also didn't ask as I felt I was a bit of a hindrance to people. Deirdre, 36 UK


My husband took on many roles that he usually doesn't with the kids' routines and cleaning etc. He was great in stepping up with things I couldn't do. My mom was at my home on a daily basis to help with laundry and cleaning. My friends organized meals 4 days a week and my work friends took up a collection and made meals for my family as well. My best friend went "over the top" with cooking for us any time she knew there was a gap in meals from other places. My husband I think, felt a little imposed on as there was so much help from others. I think he may have felt a little like his jobs were being infringed on but he dealt with it okay. I think all things considered we had a fantastic support system and couldn't have done this without it. Alison, 38 USA


My husband was extraordinarily supportive, before, during and after surgery Ñ despite the fact he doesn't drive, he did all the shopping (via buses or arranged lifts), all the cooking, cleaning, laundry etc. He helped me shower, and tried to keep me entertained - what a guy! Freja, 45 UK


My mother came to stay with me for the first 12 days after surgery, chiefly so that my husband could go back to work. I really did need that help at home for the first week after I came home; after that I could have done well by myself. After my mother left, I managed things on my own during the day - even started making dinners at around 4 weeks post-op. My friends would come over periodically to take me out - shopping, out to eat, and so on, until I could drive myself, which came at 6 weeks post-op. Kris, 47 USA


Last Modified:   04 May 2012

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