Risk of Falling

[Holger]

Hi all,

I am a former triathlon (57yrs old). Got my McMinn hip 2 years ago and did mostly crossfit and weightlifting. As time went by the thoughts increased whether to restart triathlon again. Today was my first bike ride with a trekking bike (my road bike has to be fixed). Went overall very well and then my nightmare came true.
I crashed with full impact on my left (operated) hip. Massive shock and of course the side of my leg/hip hurts but I can move my leg in all directions without any discomfort. Hence, I guess everything is ok.

My question is: What are your perceptions and experiences with falling? Those who ride fall. I knew that and expected that but what are the risks and dangers? How solid is the hip? Can micro-damages happen? I am really worried and think of whether I want too much....

All the best,
Holger

[Pat Walter]

If you have pain, best to follow up with your surgeon.  I had a really hard fall from my bike when the wheel got caught between the bricks.  I landed hard on my left side and hip where I had my BHR done in 2006.  I was very worried, but other than being a little sore and stunned, all was fine.  But if I hurt, I would have follow up with my doctor.  My fall was about 6 years after surgery.  I hope all is well and you don't have problems. 

[Holger]

Hi Pat,

thanks for responding. My pain is only outside and the hip is (hopefully) completely fine. At least I can move it in all angles without any discomfort. I wrote an email to my surgeon (Dr. Voelker in Munich) and he responded to my question whether falling implies a risk a bit lax with the one-liner "No, the implant doesn't care".

Hence, my question would be--given that when you ride long hours or in a competetion, falling can occur-- how other bikers in this forum experience this.

And I wonder whether a potential "danger" in the worst scenario is an "all-out" thing (that means, something really breaks) or whether slight damages can occur that become visible only after some time. For instance, my "favorite LLM" try to tell me that the cobalt-chrome hat can get a damage that can increase its wear across time but I don't know whether this makes sense....

All the best,
Holger