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Fractured Femur after hip replacement

Posted , 11 users are following.

Msky
Msky

Hi just came back from the OS,from my 1st post Op visit.They did x-rays and saw that the top of the femur appears to be fractured.there is a black line where it is fractures.It is well approximated and he is going to check it in 2 weeks.Has anybody else heard of something like this occurring?He said everything was so tight in there that the prosthesis just put to much pressure on the bone.I was 3 weeks out at the time and really feeling pretty darn good

3 likes, 45 replies

45 Replies

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  • basia58126
    basia58126 Msky

    Posted

    Hi, mine fractured during surgery and was wired up. Had to be non weight bearing for 8 weeks but all fine at 6 week X-ray. I think staying off putting weight on it and using 2 crutches will help it heal quicker maybe.

    glad it's not causing you pain, mine did!

    basia 

    • Msky
      Msky basia58126

      Posted

      It broke during the surgery,wow,well At least they were right there.It did hurt but not badly until the next afternoon.I was getting a load of laundry together in the afternoon,then it was time for pain medications.I was taking them every 8 hours at that point as I was 2 1/2 weeks out..I did notice that it did hurt more than usual.The next morning it was very painful.I thought at first it was a strain but it did not respond to ice,elevation,rest and pain medications as anticipated.It also started to have an increase instead of a decrease in swelling..I literally told myself I was grateful I took 7 weeks off instead of the 6 I was going to take as I knew at that point something was really wrong.
    • basia58126
      basia58126 Msky

      Posted

      Poor you. My surgeon recommended that I rest as much as possible for the first 6-8 weeks, partially weight bear and do GENTLE physio and walk with crutches, always making sure I don't put much weight on the operated leg, due to the fracture. Also to eat lots of protein and drink lots of water. It set my recovery back a out 6 weeks and there were times when I was really low, frustrated and depressed but now, at 15 weeks post op, I am doing much better. I have a some other issues with my knee and scar tissue but think fracture is all fine. I have my 3 month X-ray and checkup this week so will keep you posted. My advice is to rest as much as you can but do move about and do hydrotherapy if you can get it. Do not do any more laundry, get someone to help you! It is a temporary set back and will all be fine with a bit of time and tlc.

      good luck!

    • Msky
      Msky basia58126

      Posted

      Thank you.i have made a list of what I can do without causing further damage or slow healing.It is discouraging.I just did not do a thing yesterday.Its hard for me to stay down as a full time worker.I only have 3 weeks left so Im trying to really keep it in the rest mode .
  • noplaybarbie
    noplaybarbie Msky

    Posted

    Oh that sounds terrible Msky! I have never heard of this but am fairly new to the "hippie" scene just getting my first hip replacement 4 weeks ago. I hope that it heals quickly and your pain subsides. Also hope that you don't have any further complications from this. Wishing you well....Barb
    • Msky
      Msky noplaybarbie

      Posted

      Thank you for your concern.Looks like its 50/50 on chances of doing well.Since pain is decreasing a little I have hope.The fact that everyone has been so encouraging and kind has made what has been a difficult day a little easier.Tomorrow will be a better day
    • renee01952
      renee01952 Msky

      Posted

      Hi Msky, 

      so good to read  that you are feeling a bit better today - 

      This forum is so wonderful - you are not alone anymore ---

      I wish you continued healing

      big warm hug

      renee

    • Msky
      Msky renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you Renee.I am grateful to be able to compare notes with other "Hippies".This has been a long,arduous journey that I would not wish upon anyone.Limping along and your encouragement means a lot .smile
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK Msky

    Posted

    I know just how it feels to be told that something is wrong after a few weeks - I was told the ceramic insert was in the wrong place 4 weeks after my initial operation.

    It was like a hammer blow, as, like you, I seemed to be recovering well.

    It sounds like the femur was not reamed out sufficiently, and pressure on the stem has put too much pressure on the bone, causing it to fracture.

    For me it resulted an another operation 10 weeks after the first - are they suggesting another operation for you, or will it mend without an operation?

    Do keep us all posted on your progress.

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃

    • Msky
      Msky Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Hi Rocketman.I can see from the post here that the top of the femur fracturing is not entirely uncommon .I had seen this Dr. At least 4x.Again I am 4 10 and 3/4 in height and I don't fit anything standard.He did not do anything obvious as your surgeon did and I think he thought it would work but it did not.I wish he had erred on the side of safety and used a smaller size.I hope that this is not a reoccurring problem.Most of the woman commenting here say its a 1 time deal.I am conflicted on this.
  • linda38528
    linda38528 Msky

    Posted

    Nothing useful to offer, but I really hope things go better and I wish you healing and rest.

    L

    • Msky
      Msky linda38528

      Posted

      Thank you Linda.Appreciate your concern.I really have learnt quite a bit from the post
  • margaret04286
    margaret04286 Msky

    Posted

    Hi Msky

    I'm really sorry you have been told this. A similar thing happened to me.

    Following an accident I had my hip pinned together in France. At first it seemed

    Fine but then began to hurt a lot.

    An x-ray revealed that the femur head had collapsed and all the pins etc had moved.

    God, I cried and cried!

    Then 3weeks ago I had it all taken out and a THR done. I can only tell you that I feel better

    now than at any time.

    It is a horrible set back . But you will get through this!

    • Msky
      Msky margaret04286

      Posted

      That sounds horrible.Im sorry you had such an awful experience.Yours sounds so much worse.I can see a clear break line,but it's neat and well approximated so Im hoping it heals well.Your really sounds like it was much worse.I am however afraid that it will remain a weak spot,and it broke just picking up a bag of laundry.What if that had been my grandson.He is a pretty heavy little boy.I will know with my 2nd hip not to pick up anything for an extended period.I was at 3 weeks when it occurred and I know I'm still healing but I was very careful.I did not hurt the prosthesis.It should of been ok.;'(
    • RickyTheHippie
      RickyTheHippie margaret04286

      Posted

      Your story and my story are almost identical. Back in March I fell off a ladder and cracked my femoral neck. I had pins put in place but after three months it became a non-union and I had to have my left hip replaced. I am now a little over two weeks post op and recovery is going very well. I received a dual mobility hip replacement from Stryker and the doctor said it would give me more flexibility and lower risk of dislocation. I am only 46 years old.

      I can tell you it only gets better with every day that passes. Just have faith and be very patient.

    • Msky
      Msky RickyTheHippie

      Posted

      Thank you for messaging. I am really taking the patience thing very seriously. Slated to return to work in a couple of weeks. I was going to get the 2nd hip done in August but I'm going to wait until the first one really heals so I might put it off until Oct or November. Better to be safe. My kids are worried about me doing 2 major surgeries in such a short time span.. Patience is hard and I bank Health care spending dollars and don't want to leave any as that is wasted money

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