The emphatic return of Andy Murray is rapidly gaining momentum on the tour, but one medical expert is concerned that it could lead to risks to his own health in the future.
Dr Hannes A. Rudiger is a hip specialist from Switzerland who currently works at the Schulthess Klinik in Zurich. He is the co-head of hip surgery at the facility, which has treated numerous top athletes, and specialises in hip prosthetics. In a recent interview with Blick.ch, Rudiger admitted that he was surprised by Murray’s recent form. Last week the Brit defeated Stan Wawrinka to win the European Open and his first ATP title in more than two years.
“To be honest: I would not have thought such a thing possible,” Rudiger told Blick.
“For me it was a mission impossible to reach such a level with an artificial hip again. But Murray is also taking a high risk.
“The operation is known as ‘Birmingham Hip Resurfacing’. In the implanted prosthesis, two metal surfaces rub against each other.”
Murray, who once contemplated retiring from the sport, underwent hip resurfacing surgery shortly after his first round loss at Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open. It is the second time he has undergone surgery on his hip within as many years. He returned to the tour back in June and has since told reporters on numerous occasions that he is no longer in pain.
It seems like it has been a fairytale comeback for the 32-year-old, who has won eight out of his past 10 matches played on the tour. He is now nearing to a return back into the top 100 for the first time since May 2018. However, Rudiger has urged him to stay cautious over the coming months.
“Ten years ago, this method was already used in Switzerland – often with catastrophic consequences.” He explained.
“The hips had to be replaced much faster than with the conventional surgeries – such procedures damage the body sustainably.
“The stop-and-go movements are extremely damaging, the more so at the professional level.”
One of the complications that could arise in a worse case scenario is cobalt poisoning from the metal that is currently inserted into his hip. However, it is rare for that to happen.
“It comes to the fact that the abrasion of the plates can lead to cobalt poisoning in the blood.” Rudiger outlined.
“The bones can be attacked, also nerve and visual damage are possible.
“I actually got requests for ‘Birmingham Hip Resurfacing’ interventions.
“But I do not use this method on principle, and I do not recommend it to anyone.”
Murray is under no illusion of the risks he is taking on the court. In a recent interview with The Daily Express, he admitted that deciding to continue his career will mean he will have to undergo a hip replacement at an earlier age than if he had retired. According to the British NHS, the majority of hip replacements are carried out on people aged between 60 and 80.
“The prosthesis that I have in there they say should last 20 or so years – then I would have a full hip replacement. You can’t resurface your hip twice.” The three-time grand slam champion said.
“The risk in playing is that it lasts less time than it would otherwise and I would need a hip replacement sooner.
“And with playing sport at a high level, that risk is higher. It might mean the operation or the prosthesis won’t last as long. That is why doctors and staff are cautious.”
Murray is currently awaiting the birth of his third child and has made some adjustments to his schedule as a result. He could potentially play at the Paris Masters. If not, he has been named in the British team for the Davis Cup finals next month.
