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[frik]

Jeesh, you guys have me concerned. Is hip replacement surgery like an "occupational hazard" for climbers,
or just for climbers who put in a lot of bolts?
 

[ELM]

Jeesh, you guys have me concerned. Is hip replacement surgery like an "occupational hazard" for climbers,
or just for climbers who put in a lot of bolts?
 

Champ told me it was only if you bolted on rappel 

On a serious note. I really doubt climbers are at more risk to need a replacement. Most non traumatic replacements are just due to arthritis...everyone is prone to that.

[sneoh]

Most non traumatic replacements are just due to arthritis...everyone is prone to that.

This is indeed the case with the people I know who had replacement hips put in.

[M_Sprague]

His hip didn't stop Ted from leading the dihedral of Flying Hawian for the Rumney guidebook cover shot. That was some time after his carry out (or maybe he was just hoping to get some more morphine)

[M_Sprague]

Jeesh, you guys have me concerned. Is hip replacement surgery like an "occupational hazard" for climbers,
or just for climbers who put in a lot of bolts?

I think it is just people who put bolts in on the lead and tend to take huge whippers.

[ed_esmond]

i recall it happened on dave quinn's .11 at the asylum.  we had all done the route (i think it was ted, allen catabriga, den dana and myself.)  the crux involves some really painful stemming.  i found the moves uncomfortable, and i was pretty flexible at the time.

unfortunately, ted decided he wanted to do it again... 

we administered some "first aid" to help with the pain, which was considerable.  the "fast squad" got there pretty quickly, but it took a little time for the emt with the real drugs to arrive.  once ted got the shot, he was way blissed.

one of the climbers helping carry the litter was a young women with a halo of curly golden hair.  ted looked at her, then rolled his head toward me and slurred, "she's like an angel..."

it sounds like stemming and replacement hips aren't the way to go.
ed

[strandman]

Jeesh, you guys have me concerned. Is hip replacement surgery like an "occupational hazard" for climbers,
or just for climbers who put in a lot of bolts?

I think it is just people who put bolts in on the lead and tend to take huge whippers.

HA!  The Doc asked if I had experienced any trauma I didn't really know how to respond.  THEN he looked at some ankle xrays... that's a whole 'nother story... "when was the last time you fractured this ankle?"  ... Don't even look at the other one. 

[sneoh]

Replacement ankle too?  Two for the price of one! 
While they have you under, might as well get to everything.  Want a replacement knee?  Sure, throw that in too!!

[strandman]

The ankle is something I can't even think about... it's so complicated in the foot... rehab must be really bad.   Knees are holding up ok in spite of several scopes. A neighbor of mine had both shoulders done recently at age 71.... seems fine

[OldEric]

The ankle is something I can't even think about... it's so complicated in the foot... rehab must be really bad.   Knees are holding up ok in spite of several scopes. A neighbor of mine had both shoulders done recently at age 71.... seems fine

The last (3rd time's NOT a charm) time I did my right ankle I did a lot of research into replacements.  Had to give up running and even any serious hiking leaves it pretty sore.  Can't push off or jump - not that I ever could.  Anyway that was ~8 years ago and the artificial ankle technology just wasn't viable then.  Don't know if it has improved since then.  All the docs just recommended having it fused.  That will truly be a last resort for me.  So I hobble around.  Still not the limiting factor for the most part as far as climbing goes.

The bionic tendons in the left knee and right shoulder are holding up so far - but neither is even a year old.

[eyebolter]

The ankle is something I can't even think about... it's so complicated in the foot... rehab must be really bad.   Knees are holding up ok in spite of several scopes. A neighbor of mine had both shoulders done recently at age 71.... seems fine

The last (3rd time's NOT a charm) time I did my right ankle I did a lot of research into replacements.  Had to give up running and even any serious hiking leaves it pretty sore.  Can't push off or jump - not that I ever could.  Anyway that was ~8 years ago and the artificial ankle technology just wasn't viable then.  Don't know if it has improved since then.  All the docs just recommended having it fused.  That will truly be a last resort for me.  So I hobble around.  Still not the limiting factor for the most part as far as climbing goes.

I have the same problem from an ankle I exploded in a fall in Huntington's when I was 29.  Fortunately it doesn't bother me much except when I play basketball (not any longer) and in a long hike, especially with a side slope.  I suck on dynos off the left foot, but I can live with that.  All original parts still (despite the number of rap bolts placed) and hoping to keep them all.

[steve weitzler]

Guys you really need to stretch more, do yoga, core workouts and take other preventative measures. I broke both ankles (2 months apart) and have had my knee scoped twice.  Since I started taking preventative measures my body feels better and works better. I know Strand is going to comment on this in some way but really, it does make a difference as we get older (much older for some of us.)

[JBrochu]

+1 Yoga.

Having all those young chicks bending over and stretching in front of you keeps your boner exercised into your golden years.



 

[Admin Al]

I think that Jim Gagne's partner Michelle had an ankle replacement several years ago. I haven't heard how it went. I would imagine that the rehab is totally key. my father in-law had an ankle fusion about 18 months ago. he was almost unable to walk around and had enough pain that he was unable to sleep without painkillers. now he can walk, ride his bike and do most of what he wants to do and it's pretty much pain free. I think he's 73 this year.

[OldEric]

The problem - at least one problem - with an ankle fusion is that it shifts the stress to the other lower body joints of both legs.  Depending on what shape they are in and how much longer you live (sorry to be blunt but that's part of the equation) that might/might not be an issue.  Depending on what gets fused you probably won't be able to run any where near normal and won't have the flexibility to push off.