Just completed THR after 22 years of AVN
I had avascular necrosis following a SCFE that occurred when I was in elementary school about 22 years ago. By the end, my femur was pretty much toast.
I managed it by learning to use my left leg almost exclusively for weight bearing and taking occasional Naproxen. From the loss of bone and lessened growth in that femur, I had a 3/4 inch leg length discrepancy. I knew a THR was in my future but was always told it would be best to delay since hips only last 10-15 years.
Last year I started having frequent impingements where I could suddenly not walk from the blinding pain. Went to a surgeon to explore my options. They informed me about highly crosslinked polyethylene hip bearing surfaces which had no detectable wear after 20 years of use.
Just knowing this is possible has changed my outlook dramatically: I can finally live without pain?! I won't have a limp leg anymore?
I'm now 2 weeks past THR surgery and feeling great! Surgery went well, they let me stay awake for it, and they even lengthened it to match my good leg. The joint pain and impingement is gone. The muscle pain however is unreal--I'm using that leg in a way it hasn't been used for 22 years. I know this is temporary however and it reminds me of all the activities I'll be able to do that I couldn't before.