Skiing after hip replacement

Doc says the time has come for a new hip. I am interested in hearing from skiers who have had a hip replacement, were you able to ski at a high level again? What are the limitations? I am 52 so I am hoping for many more years on the slopes.

I'd suggest looking at a resurfacing procedure if it's suitable. Dr. James Pritchett with Swedish did my left a few months ago and this is far less invasive than a typical replacement. Id say with a decent rehab, skiing is possible in 10 to 12 weeks. You'll ski well again and this is stronger than the prosthetic approach. I'll find out this winter how it works and limitations might be going a little slower to minimize falls or terrain beat-downs. Floyd Landis had this done and there's a video clip on a web that I think is "resurfacinghippy" with Floyd and Dr. Pritchett. Whichever way ya go, heal fast & grab your boards when it feels right!

I have a followup with my doc at Swedish next week, I will ask about the resurfacing option.

I had one done at 48, now 56. Best thing I ever did as i was suffering that last year, had a THR rt side. Interviewed 3 systems, looked into multiple types...(in 2004). Ended up picking a striker trident ceramic put in with largest cup(pelvic side) available. Put in by crutcher at Swedish, practice makes perfect, and he had back then put in a bunch.
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I have tele for years, not very good..... Get by! Do not ski like I used to but not from the hip. I fear breakable crust lol. Possibly in best shape of life now with avid mountain biking, and very active exercise, does not slow me down, have crashed a bunch both skis and bike, though I do try to be careful.
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I have heard some lit reviews on the resurfacing that had questions. Questions now on my ceramic though i think i have escaped them. I would pick some folks to interview and treat  it as getting quotes on a house remodel. You need to be comfortable with whatever choice you make for your self.
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Just my opinion...


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CW

My doc at Swedish has suggested a ceramic ball with a polyethylene liner in the socket. I will be seeing 2 more specialists for other opinions. I have an appointment with a doc the does the anterior method, it is supposed to be less invasive , quicker recovery. I want to make sure I get the best available product, I want to ski!

Sounds like you are on the right track Steep. I had it done by Pritchett 25 months ago at age 60. Out of Swedish in 1.5 days. No nursing center as doc says disease incubators. Had huge fracture that recovered (long recovery) 5 yrs. before, but arthritis and necrosis pain let to full replacement. Have the titanium, ceramic, polyethylene device with 44 mm ball. I was skiing 3 months after the surgery. Skin up and yoyo-ed Central before opening for first trip. It felt so good, though quite tentative! Gentle at first then got better as time went on but I still take moguls conservatively--especially the big 'uns on upper Nash. Doc says bc skiing easier on joint than downhill and I certainly agree.

I chose Pritchett because a doc needs more skill to do resurfacing than full replacement. He does lots of jocks though he did not do Landis, just on TV show with him. Have you ever seen a copy of Backcountry magazine in doc office? They have it at Pritchett's Kirkland office, though I think due to partner. Good sign anyway. I did not qualify for resurfacing due to 3 pins from previous fracture. I would have done resurfacing if I qualified. I have heard good things of Crutcher as well. Other good ones out there certainly. The other big thing is to find good physical therapist for recovery that understands compulsive athletes. One of mine was ex ski racer. They had me doing lots of 1 leg balance and it was quite difficult at first. I used Quality Care PT in Bothell.

Be in the best shape possible and rehab with passion. I was hiking up Dickerman and Defiance within 2 weeks of getting clearance to do all but high impact sports. That took 2 months. Might be shorter with anterior as mine was more posterior due to past injury. Choose the surgeon, not the technique. Don't wait too long and second opinion should be mandatory. Feel free to hit me with any questions here or PM. Good luck.

Maybe to mimic the Wildman's TLT5 group, we will need to get a new hippy bc group started.