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wsherk -> Girdlestone procedure (May 25, 2008 12:20:52 PM)
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Does anyone have any experience with a Girdlestone procedure? This one was done to remove the prosthesis after a total hip arthroplasty became infected. The patient is 99 years old, in amazing mental and physical health for that great age, but still 99. The femur was shattered during the procedure, and she now has a VRE infection. She has had four general anaesthetics since Jan. and has had blood transfusions equivalent to triple her own blood volume - trying to deal with the infections and very poor healing.
Her surgeon is still intent on doing another THA once the area is healed. This seems completely bizarre to me as I've discovered through PubMed research that patients can do well without a hip joint. They need a walking aid and have some leg shortening, but often have minimal pain, or moderate pain that can be managed with analgesics, and can function. All this lady wants is to get out of her isolation room, and back to her nursing home where she'd have a life again. I'm preparing my arguments for him (she has no family or outside support), and would appreciate hearing from anyone who could help out.
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