Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

Anybody out there had a hip replacement and still kneeing? I'm 63 and been doing this a long time. My main concern is not being able to surf after PT and some time off. Any positive comments would be welcome. Thanks all.

I would suggest you first become familiar with the many options for hip replacements. (Total hip replacement vs resurfacing; cemented vs non cemented, the different type of prosthetic implants - metal-ceramic-plastic, etc) Have a discussion with a surgeon that can discuss with you the pros and cons of each choice. Let him/her know that you want to knee board and demonstrate/describe the motions of the hip in case they are not familiar with kneeboard surfing. Especially the flexion and the internal rotation of the hip in kneeboarding, as these motions are traditionally restricted for a period after certain types of replacements to prevent dislocation. Believe me you do NOT want to have a dislocation in the surf.
Good luck.

Hi there

I'm in the same boat and it's looking like I'm going to have some hip work done in the next 8 months , and I have the same thoughts Will I be able to kneeboard again. My arthritis was caused directly due to having a tear in my groin while kneeboarding Rincon 20 years ago. My Dr is telling me they will go in and clean out the joint. I'm starting physical therapy next week but I hope this helps and increases my range of motion, I have no plans of stopping kneeboarding I will do anything it takes. The post before sounds like good advise. Hang in there.

Jeff

My wife just had anterior hip replacement in August and we are amazed at the recovery time and results. This surgery uses a hydraulic table and surgery is performed through a small incision with no muscle/tendons cut (see YouTube video)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwi0i1EtbpI).

She was walking the day after surgery and going up & down stairs at two days. She was off the pain meds and on naproxen and ice packs after 2.5 days.

Dislocation is a much lower risk than traditional hip replacement surgery because the muscles supporting the joint are not cut, only stretched (a LOT!).

She is already back to full range of motion and bike riding, soon to be back on her horses. Still some pain when she exercises too much, but she's a very happy camper.

As for the type/material, we were advised by the surgeon to go with the titanium/chrome rather than ceramic, as she is in her early 60's and the ceramic doesn't last as long.

Best Luck

KB, (SJ, Jeff, etc)
Thanks for sharing about your wife's hip surgery.
Great to hear she is doing so well.
The anterior approach is gaining in popularity for all the reasons your wife experienced. (Less pain, faster recovery, etc.) Sorry I didn't mention it in my earlier post.
It is a relatively new approach so many older surgeons have not received the training for this new technique or the hospital is not set up for this technique (the specialist table for the surgery) In my area, the population is relatively small so we only have 3 orthopedic surgeons doing hips and none offer the anterior approach. I have heard about the anterior approach and review some articles about it but have not personally seen a patient that had one done.

The restrictions in range of motion after surgery are either opposite of traditional posterior or lateral approaches or with some surgeons, none at all. So this approach should be something for a kneeboarder to definitely look into.
The type and size of the prosthesis is still something to discuss and decide with the surgeon. There is still a lot of debate and difference of opinion on this subject.
I would definitely ask about the experience of the surgeon. (Like a grom vs a legend.)
Do the research, especially from unbiased source (not the one selling the product or procedure that stands to gain financially) Go in as an active knowledgeable participant in your health, and ask a lot of questions.
Best of health and healing.
Ride on.

Thanks all who commented on various types of material and surgeries involved. Some very astute views. It's going to be after the New Year, but the process is started. Gracias all. J

Matt the rat here
Im 55.

Had two hip replacements, one 7 years ago one five.

They made a video on the first.

You can check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysAMdRB4kA4

I still kneeboard, Blacks, Oceanside, travel.

Because of life the last two years, I've taken to racing bikes and Masters swimming more, but if the surf is good I'm on it and feel great (much better than the three years up until the surgery)

Gave me my life back.......

You can be in the water in 6 weeks if you are fit, do the work and keep active up until the replacement (CYCLING SWIMMING ARE BEST)

But get the right doctor and the right hip....Stryker/ceramic on ceramic minimally invasive/ anterior approach

Feel free to contact me

I'll be in Maui over Christmas....

i was asked to DJ a party by a girl celebrating her double hip replacement with a dance party. she managed to dance the whole night through. so hopefully riding a kneeboard won't be a stretch for you.
all the best.

Hey Matt,
Thanks for sharing your story. I loved the video! Seeing the before and after. Seeing how a disability and then return of ability can have an effect on your whole family.
You bring hope to anyone having the same problem.
Anyone suffering from a badly arthritic hip should check out his story and video.