I am 54 years old and have been living in pain and disabled because of two labral tears in my right hip and chronic bursitis. I have always been overweight but physically active (aerobics, walking, stair climbing, minor weight lifting). About five years ago I began suffering from extreme pain in my right hip. I tried PT, cortizone (sp?) shots, and other non invasive procedures which helped relieve it for a year or so.
Last March, I had a bursectomy and IT band release surgery which relieved the major part of my pain; however, I am still plagued with pain, stiffness, etc. in my right hip which affects my sleep, daily living and exercise routine. My regular doctor has recommended absolutely no running, walking as tolerated and water aerobics as prime choice. She also recommended a hip replacement (since I am too old for arthroscopic repair). Her opinion is that the recovery is the same so why do it twice when ultimately the hip repair will at some point be needed. Also that the arthroscopic repair will accelerate the need for the replacement.
I found a surgeon who said his cut off date is 60 for arthroscopic repair rather than the cut off age of 45 from the other doctor. I need to make a decision and soon. Its affecting every part of my life. HELP?
Should I have the arthroscopic surgery or just do the hip replacement