Hi All,

I have been diagnosed with an arthitic hip. at 46 I am reluctant to to have a replacement as it will almost certainly need to be replaced again. I am doing some research on having steriod injections for a couple of years then maybe look at surgery when I am 50.

does any one know of a hospital that dos these injections (not a simple procedure). Worryingly I spoke with an Orthapedic surgeon yesterday - and he jsut wanted to do the replacement. I am sure there are better options at my age.

(most of these thoughts are not my own - i am not saying I know more about this than the surgeon - a friend who is a GP in Uk has suggested to delay the op)

thanks for your help.

Graham

Assume you are talking about intra-articular injections of steroids into the hip joint. This is not advisable at your age and with the prospect of a hip replacement. True, best to postpone the replacement as long as possible as they last ten years or so. Given the ideal risk factor scenario, can last much longer these days!!)

The steroid in the joint will reduce the pain but not stop the progression of the disease, in fact, it may enhance the deterioration of the cartilage and, most important of all, make make you a higher risk of infection after the hip replacement.

Don't push for it if an expert advises otherwise; be sure that you have a reputable orthopod evaluate this..

Graham: Are you referring to Medrol?