Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or narrowing, and femoratica, a nerve condition in the thigh, Warren had been suffering from back and hip pain for years. Even after decompression surgery and hip replacements on both sides, the pain continued and only his back seemed to respond to conservative treatment such as physical and hydro therapy. His left hip had become a source of daily discomfort, such that walking, standing up and any weight bearing actions were very painful.
Confused as to if this was spinal, muscular or due to the malfunctioning of his prosthetic hip, Warren consulted a spinal surgeon, who brought up the possibility of another replacement of this left hip.
Yet Warren wanted to be absolutely sure and decided to get in touch with Best Doctors, available as part of his CBHS policy.
“At all stages of my case review, whenever I spoke to the Best Doctors team I felt I was speaking to someone who cared and wanted to help.”
From its expert database of 53,000 doctors, Best Doctors selected a world leading orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip surgery to review the case.
The expert agreed with the diagnosis, and observed that the acetabular component (the concave surface of the pelvis) and part of the femur bone had moved out of place.
In his opinion, this and the resulting loss of bone were responsible for so much of his pain, however he suggested that the only viable option was hip revision surgery to repair the prosthesis, not a complete hip replacement.
Without surgery, Warren’s bone loss would become so severe that he would grow weaker, experience even more pain and eventually be unable to walk.
Going into great detail as to the exact surgery recommended and what kind of specialist should perform it, the expert recommended that Warren first undergo aspiration of his hip as a precaution to rule out any possibility of infection. Finally, the expert strongly advised against any kind of spinal surgery, and recommended that Warren continue with his current treatment program.
“My G.P., cardiologist, anaesthetist and surgeon all commented favourably on the Best Doctors report, and all of them asked me ‘how much did this cost you?”
After receiving the expert report, Warren was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon experienced in hip revision surgery and decided to proceed with the operation. Surgery was a success and he has since made a full recovery.
“Although I continue to have lower back pain from time to time, my hip is now pain-free and I am now walking up to 45 minutes most mornings and on my feet most of the day gardening and cooking. I use a walking stick for moral support only.”