1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Hip replacement 15 months ago

Posted , 6 users are following.

Jayive
Jayive

Hi, I have read many posts and wonder if there is anybody out there who is left in a position similar to me.

My right THR was in May 2013. I said from day one that my leg was longer, the surgeon looked at my xray and that it was 1cm difference, it felt a huge difference to me but he said that I would be able to cope with the difference.

Since then I have been in constant pain, I can't walk more than a few yards (with crutches as I can't keep my balance without them).

I've had various tests, inc MRI, xrays, an aspiration (my wound took 6 weeks to heal), metal allergy tests, steroid injections etc and been seen by a 2nd surgeon (in the same group) who said there was a marginal difference, then a 3rd surgeon (also the same group) who said there was nothing wrong, I felt he was just trying to appease me and to cover for his colleagues. So I now have copy of letters to my GP saying 3 different things.

My GP sent me to the physiotherapist, who measured me with a tape  and says I have 2.5cm difference. I had acupuncture which made no difference. I have already seen the podiatrist and had shoe implants but raising my other leg to the same level only increased the pain when I try to stand.

 

I am now waiting to see a Hip consultant in a different area but there is a long (November) waiting list.

 

0 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

Next
  • martin98264
    martin98264 Jayive

    Posted

    I think this is one of my (future) worries, I'm only 2 weeks PO & even using two crutches I really do feel a leg length difference. I sincerely hope you get things sorted & admire that you're getting different advice. Good luck!
    • Jayive
      Jayive martin98264

      Posted

      Thanks Martin. If you think there is a difference in your leg, start by telling your consultant now. And don't be put off, keep fighting and let me know how you go. Good luck to you also!
    • martin98264
      martin98264 Jayive

      Posted

      I will thanks, I see him on the 30/7. He comes well recommended in my area, so hopefully things will be ok. Here's my right hip before surgery, meant to be a ball & socket, looks more like a lemon shaped thing in a socket!  LOL! The left hip isn't brilliant but I have all movement in it.........at the moment! 
  • juliette39133
    juliette39133 Jayive

    Posted

    Hi, This crops up a lot on the forum. I can only offer my experience of what appeared to be a leg length discrepancy. That does not mean that you do not actually have one. I had first hip replacement five years ago after waiting years with a limp and an abnormal gait. After the op although I could walk better it was obvious that the operated leg was longer. When sitting the leg was longer and I was unable to stand with my legs together. However on x Ray it could be seen that my pelvis was tilted quite severely. This was due probably to years of my body compensating for not being able to walk because of the arthritis. So the legs were actually the same length but because of the tilt, there appeared to be a discrepancy. I was sent to physio and began some simple exercises and movements to encourage the shorter leg to lengthen. Every time I sat or lay I was to consciously lengthen it. Eventually it worked. Is your pelvis straight on x Ray? I can't believe my experience is unique.
    • martin98264
      martin98264 juliette39133

      Posted

      Never thought of that Juliet. I'm 53 & remember when I was a young lad I had to to go to hospital to have one of my shoes made higher, not sure what one now as it was back in the 60's but I'm wondering if it had an effect on what's happened over the years to my right hip? Who knows? I'll await the surgeons outcome at our first meeting on the 30th cheesygrin
    • Jayive
      Jayive juliette39133

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for your comments, I'm due to start with physio exercises on Wednesday.

      When I was on the xray couch the radiographer, twisted me so that the two red lazer lights ran level down and across my hips, it felt as though I was twisted out of shape but he said not! Therefore there is no way of the surgeon knowing just how long my legs were.

      However now the physio has measured, with a tape, the correct length which is, from the hip bone to the inside knee joint and then on down the inside of the leg to the ankle bone.

      In my case this is 2.5cms difference so I don't know if the exercises will make any difference but I will try them to see what happens.

    • Jayive
      Jayive martin98264

      Posted

      Hi, see my reply to Juliette, you can get someone to measure your legs if you want to see what difference there is before you see the surgeon.

      How did you manage to get your xray?

    • martin98264
      martin98264 Jayive

      Posted

      When I first saw the surgeon he had to leave the office for a minute & my x-ray was on his computer, I took a picture on my phone, I didn't ask, just took it. cheesygrin
    • juliette39133
      juliette39133 Jayive

      Posted

      The fact that the radiologist twisted you to get your hips level strongly suggests that your pelvis is out of alignment. Plus the fact that you felt odd. On the xray it would look normal. I was never adjusted in that way for an xray. Do talk to the physio about it and let us know the outcome.
    • Jayive
      Jayive juliette39133

      Posted

      Thanks I will ask the physio. I've had 3 xrays and the radiographer has adjusted me each time and my husband says I lie in a funny way when I think I'm straight.
    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK juliette39133

      Posted

      Hi Juliette

      I dont know if this is anything similar.

      I've had 2 THR's....1 4 and a half yrs ago the other one last Jan.

      Quite a while before that I had noticed that one trouser leg was slightly shorter than the other......Always had a sore back off and on but nothing diagnosed. I mentioned it to the GP and he measured my legs with a tape measure and said they were both the same length????

      Much later i was diagnosed with kypho scoliosis....a C shape curve in the spine and told they didnt know how long it had been there but certainly for some time and they didnt know how it had happened. It has gradually got sorer ....it didnt bother me at first {except the pride angle LOL} but now its painful.

      So both legs measure the same length

      They look different with trousers on

      Conclusion......curve in my spine

      What to do about it.....nothing they can do???

      I must try some exercises for it and do them regularly and see if it makes any difference

      What do you do?  I do remember one stretching exercise given to me a long time ago was lying on the bed, and stretching one leg....trying to make it longer than the other then the same with the other leg but thats all I can remember

      Love

      Eileen

    • juliette39133
      juliette39133 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Eileen, I do exercises as given by physios and some gentle stretches and movements that I remember from the yoga I did many years ago. It's best to see a physio for the exercises best for you. Yoga is brilliant for the back but it has to be done with an experienced teacher who specializes in gentle yoga. Not the travesty that is taught in gyms etc which would injure most people.
    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK juliette39133

      Posted

      Thanks Juliette

      I have exercises from the physio but not sure that any of them are for scolios or a curve {specifically} Havent seen him for a while and not got an appointment to see him again.

      I do understand about theYoga....never did it so wouldnt go now the way I feel...thanks for your help

      Eileen

  • kaleani75551
    kaleani75551 Jayive

    Posted

    I realize you probably do not want to hear this, i had my right hip posterior approach done May 2013 too and it is absolutely perfect today.  After the 2013 surgery, my right leg was a full 1 inch longer, si i can understand how you feel, for a while i used gel heel lifts from dr. Scholl but it never worked very well, and was very inconvenient.  in Mar 2014 i had my left hip done anterior approach and the length discrepancy was resolved.  Of course i knew from the onset that both my hips were bad and needed THR so that was my way out of that problem.  I hope you can find a solution soon for yours, i know it is no fun having to live like this.  Good luck!
    • Jayive
      Jayive kaleani75551

      Posted

      Thanks, I'm happy to hear any comments. I also need my other hip replacing but my surgeon has refused to do it now because of the problems with my rTHR.

      I am delighted to hear that yours was successful and hope you continue well.

    • kaleani75551
      kaleani75551 Jayive

      Posted

      At least you know that eventually the leg discrepancy will be resolved.  I wish you the best too.
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.