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Leg length

Posted , 6 users are following.

morriewynn
morriewynn

Hi everyone

I am nine days post op TRH and am so despondent.

I had my left hip replaced last Jan and my leg length both pre and post were equal. However this time I have at least an inch discrepancy. When carrying out my physio, my left leg clears the floor; whilst my right leg scrapes it. When laying flat my left knee is considerably lower than my right.

Unfortunately, my Consultant was on annual leave and unable to perform the procedure. Minutes prior to surgery, I met the Consultant who explained that my hip was "normal" and he would therefore only cement the stem but not the ball. I know that the stem used was much longer than the first.

Am I over reacting too soon? My sister, after a hip replacement, was left with a leg discrepancy and she was never able to walk properly again.

I have not seen a physio yet and I am not seeing the Consultant until November.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo morriewynn

    Posted

    Hi really sorry you have a problem with leg length, I know this sounds weird but is it definitely a difference or just that maybe you are hiking your hip, have you measured it, ie top of hip bone on outer side to inside ankle bone on both legs.

  • auntiebeanie
    auntiebeanie morriewynn

    Posted

    After surgery I was equal. 11 months post op found length discrepancy. My unoperated leg now slightly shorter. Using an insole to balance me up but think mine is due to tight muscles. They keep contracting around pelvis despite exercise. I would get back to your original surgeon. If you are in England or Wales. Look at the national joint register to see what performance the other surgeon has on revisions. Hope you get sorted soon.
  • renee01952
    renee01952 morriewynn

    Posted

    hi morrywynn,

    congratulations on having the 2nd THR surgery ...

    I am not sure what bto tell you ... you might be over reacting too soon - you are in the early days of recovering from another major invasive surgery within 9-10 months of the 1st one - 

    from experience I know that the in-between-surgeries time was not condusive to proper healing of 1st THR --- 

    definitely bring it to your surgeon's attention at yo0ur 6 weeks follow up visit ---

    be gentle with yourself, darling ---

    big warm hug

    renee

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK morriewynn

    Posted

    I know that most of us feel like there is a difference in length - I did, but as the swelling in the pelvis subsides the length should even out.  Mine felt hugely different, but it did settle down in a couple of weeks.

    Sounds to me like you need to get back to the hospital and get it checked out for your own peace of mind - and probably the sooner the better.   That is a big discrepancy.  

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃

  • David06570
    David06570 morriewynn

    Posted

    Immediately after my operation it felt like my leg was an inch longer and I could see a difference in the height of my knees.  However as Rocketman says, over 1-2 months this subsided and when I saw the physio he measured the legs and found very little difference.... 

    I hope it is the same for you.

    David.

     

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