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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hip replacement due to Osteonecrosis?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Leroy, MI

I'm just wondering if anyone who has needed a hip replacement has been diagnosed with Osteonecrosis. I've had hip pain for over a year in both hips, but the left has always been worse. I asked my rheumatologist to get xrays last year, but she said I'd need an MRI and it wasn't time yet. So, after over a year of pain, I got the MRI this week and it shows severe osteoarthritis and Osteonecrosis in the left hip. The Osteonecrosis is a rare disease. About 50% of the head of the femur is dead. I… read more

July 27, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with osteonecrosis and hip replacements, with several describing similar bone deterioration in hips and knees... Read more

Members shared their experiences with osteonecrosis and hip replacements, with several describing similar bone deterioration in hips and knees linked to RA, while discussing possible causes including steroid use, Humira, and compromised blood supply to the joints. Many community members offered practical guidance including finding surgeons who specialize in hips with strong success rates, applying for FMLA to protect job security during recovery, and setting realistic expectations that hip replacement recovery can be challenging despite common reassurances that it's easy. A recurring theme was frustration with insurance barriers to timely diagnostic imaging, concern about bilateral osteonecrosis developing in other joints, and the added difficulty of managing RA flares during surgical recovery.

A myRAteam Member

The only thing I could find was about the corticosteroid use as well. I am so sorry that you are suffering with that. It is sad that when you needed an MRI "it wasn't time yet". I can't believe that the insurance companies get to control the doctors in telling them how to treat their patients, but I am holding my tongue. I mean, how dare you want an MRI to see changes in something like that.

July 30, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Necrosis can be caused from insufficient blood supply to the joint. Has anyone checked that?

July 28, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Sorry, that is one thing I have not heard of but it sounds like some RA symptoms. I had a knee replacement 2 years ago because of RA. Got infected and 3 more surgeries. Still a lot of pain due to scar tissue intermingling with my nerves.

I am now having a lot of pain in my left shoulder and I had a cortisone shot 3 months ago but it has worn off. Who knows if there is a difference between the two?? I can see where they can get misdiagnosed!

July 27, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Praying for you Laura!!!! 💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼💕

August 3, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Most hip replacements go very well. As RN I specialized in hip and knee replacements, at home recovery for years. They are easier than knees because there is less motion in a hip. a knee can do 180 degrees, hips are more limited. Necrosis is a very rare thing, and they don't really know the cause. I would definately check on a surgeons success rate. There are some bad seeds , as in any profession, Best of luck , so sorry you suffered so long, your pain must have been excruciating. p.s. xray would have shown the missing hip head and then insurance would have allowed MRI. Insurance excuses are bull shit.

July 28, 2016

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