A tear in your cartilage means you have cartilage.
I had NO cartilage in my right hip. It was replaced in 2022.
I'm as adverse to surgery as anyone.
With fabulously limited knowledge, I had to conclude that hip replacement was 'fundamental enough' to work.
They've been doing hip replacements for so long, even this skeptic (me) had faith.
I'm not poo-pooing any new procedures, be they silicone/jell cushions in knees or prompting growth in your remaining tissue.
Seems to me trying injections of 'doctored blood' or stem cell blends isn't as severe as surgery.
After they do any of that, there's likely a clearing out timeline before one can have a joint replacement.
EXPERIENCE: As my cartilage was completely gone, the "required" second opinion was a 2 minute walk-by by a doctor who was orienting a young physician who had just joined the system.
He weakly and hesitantly said I could "come by my office for a cortisone shot", just to see if anything improves.
I answered him to the effect that in the complete absence of cartilage, a hip replacement was the only way to go.
He agreed.
I don't take cheap shots at doctors and hospitals, but it seemed this "second opinion consultation" was just a perfunctory CYA step...to which I have no real objection.
My surgeon, who I'll love forever, told me that was a smart conclusion as a cortisone shot would've necessitated a 6 month delay in my surgery.
Sorry you're in pain, dude.
Best of luck with your decision making.
I had NO cartilage in my right hip. It was replaced in 2022.
I'm as adverse to surgery as anyone.
With fabulously limited knowledge, I had to conclude that hip replacement was 'fundamental enough' to work.
They've been doing hip replacements for so long, even this skeptic (me) had faith.
I'm not poo-pooing any new procedures, be they silicone/jell cushions in knees or prompting growth in your remaining tissue.
Seems to me trying injections of 'doctored blood' or stem cell blends isn't as severe as surgery.
After they do any of that, there's likely a clearing out timeline before one can have a joint replacement.
EXPERIENCE: As my cartilage was completely gone, the "required" second opinion was a 2 minute walk-by by a doctor who was orienting a young physician who had just joined the system.
He weakly and hesitantly said I could "come by my office for a cortisone shot", just to see if anything improves.
I answered him to the effect that in the complete absence of cartilage, a hip replacement was the only way to go.
He agreed.
I don't take cheap shots at doctors and hospitals, but it seemed this "second opinion consultation" was just a perfunctory CYA step...to which I have no real objection.
My surgeon, who I'll love forever, told me that was a smart conclusion as a cortisone shot would've necessitated a 6 month delay in my surgery.
Sorry you're in pain, dude.
Best of luck with your decision making.
