Hip replacement has became loose after 4years

Posted , 8 users are following.

I had a thr done Oct 2013 it was a success until Oct 2017 as pain started and it had gotten worse it turns out the head has became loose, it hasn't merged with the bone the way it was supposed to. I can get a partial replacement but there are risks. I have been researching online and they say the more operations on the same side the less mobility in the hip, I have been through a few ops in my life on the same side and the mobility on my left hip is restricted. I am only 29 and I know I will have a few more ops lined up as I get older. the pain just now is barable but not sure what to do. Any one have have advice?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi, 

    At the age of 30 I had 1 THR and 2 subsequent revisions in the space of 5 years due to failing implants. Titanium Timmy the third is now 4 years going strong, I wouldn’t say my mobility has decreased in anyway but the recovery is a lot longer.   It’s even withstood a pregnancy.  If the pain is unbearable you need to weigh up the risk with quality of life.  Good luck

  • Posted

    Lisa

    I had a revision to my THR last year following an infection, Mobility is much the same with my new joint. I can do my shoelaces and cut toenails more easily but movement back is slightly worse.

    When people have hip problems it generally is a good idea to have the surgery sooner rather than later as continuing with a worn out joint means you move less and lose muscle tone so have more difficulties with the recovery. But this may be less true in your case - it might be worth asking your surgeon about that.

    Mike

  • Posted

    Whatever the restrictions, I am sure it will be preferable to having a loose head. 

    I have just had my shell disintegrate whilst out shopping, it was horrendous, with hideous pain and crunching noises. I had to lay on my back in hospital 24hours/day for a week whilst they figured out what to do with me. The only thing holding my joint together now is the strength I have built up in my leg muscles since the operation, the replacement joint is flapping around inside me.

    Best wishes,  Graham

    • Posted

      Aww that sounds awful hope you get it fixed soon.

      My pain is barable just now so thinking of waiting till pain is really bad before I go for any operations

      All the best Lisa

    • Posted

      I wouldn't wait, you really don't want that loosening and breaking the leg bone.

  • Posted

    how was the loosening of the joint diagnosed? I am 7 yrs post op both hips,,,severe pain thighs,grion area hamstrings,hip points when walking   Looking forward to any answers
    • Posted

      I had various x-rays and a bone scan which showed a dark shadow around the head so my surgeon put everything together and came up with the joint has loosened. My pain started with groin pain which has got worse over time. Although I am in pain all the time it is barable.

      Hope you get some answers to why you are in pain

  • Posted

    Lisa, what does your orthopedist recommend? Also, in a case like this, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon who is not associated with your original surgeon in any way.

    Here's my 2 cents! A loose implant will be moving and could easily damage bone and tissue around it. I would not want to be walking around on a loose joint, and would prefer to be very sure of the stability of my hip joint. 

    I had to have another hip surgery 15 months after my THR, to repair badly torn gluteal tendons. During that second surgery, they also dislocated my prosthetic hip joint and checked around to make sure it was ok. I am very glad that I had that second operation, as I am in much better shape now, able to walk without a limp and pain. My hip is much more mobile now than it was after the THR. I know it is a different circumstance for you, but if there is something really wrong, like your loose component, it is probably best to get it fixed. 

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