Leg length

Posted , 11 users are following.

Hi, Had left THR 6 months ago.My operated leg is half an inch longer.My surgeon told me he would make the other one the same length when I have it done.Has anyone had a successful outcome with this?I have found this aspect of my surgery very difficult to accept.

Janet

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17 Replies

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  • Posted

    There have been quite a few postings on here about leg length so I'm sure someone will respond.  I haven't had this issue myself, both hips were done at the same time, but I hope all works out well when your other hip is done.

  • Posted

    hi janet, 

    Same here -- I had difference in leg prior THR surgery due to walking badly - after THR surgery that leg was a bit longer than other which was corrected with 2nd THR - but even then, please remember that our legs are not equal in length to begin with .. 1/2 inch is not that much ..

    also, many times the majority of leg-length discrepancy after hip replacement is not a true difference in skeletal lengths. Rather, the discrepancy can be from pelvic tilt or tight muscles.

    With muscles stretching, exercises, and time, such discrepancy will likely resolve in a few months.

    How long ago was your surgery and when will you have the 2nd one?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • Posted

      Hi,

      My surgery was 6 months ago.Surgeon told me straight away when in hospital,that leg was longer and he would put it right when the other was done.My other hip is now getting worse SSO I should get it done soon but feel I want my first hip OK before I go through it again.

      Janet

    • Posted

      hi janet, 

      I had 2 THR surgeries 6 months apart -

      1st THR was right hip and at 6 weeks post-op follow up appointment x-ray shpwed that cartilage in left hipjoint was bone on bone -

      because of the pain, my right hip never had a chance to heal properly .. I used it (by default) to support me and keep me balanced when it was still raw and healing ... I also wanted to wait until first hip would be stronger but that didn't really happen -

      I was so happy (and terrified) when I had 2nd hip done .... 

      2 new hips, so healing finally could take place ... to be honest, right hip needed as much care as left (newest) hip ....

       

  • Posted

    Hi Janet.  I had mine almost 4 months ago & my leg is also half an inch longer.  My surgeon has also told me the same will happen when he operates on my right hip.  Well, I always wanted to be taller.

    • Posted

      Ha ha! Lucky you.I don't.As a 5ft 9 in female I am tall enough lol

  • Posted

    Hi Janet, not had either of my hips done yet, but I've been looking into it for 6 years now, luckily I'm in no pain, but terrible limp.

    From watching forums and speaking to Doctors, It has been pointed out to me that it is impossible to get the length of the hip right and the surgeons will say that within half an inch is brilliant, within one and a half inches is possible. The shorter leg then is made up with wedges in the heels of your shoes.

    This is because the new hip is hammered into the bone and when it is tight, it's right. If it does not go in far enough, they would do more damage removing it and using another shorter hip, if it goes in further than expected, well then it has to go in until it's a tight fit. Either way, it's impossible to work out before the hammering starts. Depends on bone density.

    Better to have the hip fitted properly, with the wrong length leg. Easy to make up with foam inserts or wedges.

    The operation is about reducing pain, improving standard of living, getting a new life.

    It is a major operation, did you watch it on youtube before commencing? Looks brutal and believe me I can't watch it !

    I suggest you try inserts in the heel of the shorter leg on your shoes, they will feel a bit strange at first but it's amazing how quickly the body re-adjusts and you will start walking straight and pain free again.

    Best wishes, Mark

  • Posted

    Dear Janet i have done my left hip done 10 of October and

    like you my right need to be done as well.

    Hopefully MARCH OR APRIL I have operated leg longer

    abou 1.3 to 1.5 cm .i put insole in my shoe to keep balance .

    otherwise my non operated hip hurt and low back too. I was

    told by physio to put insole in my shoe. I hope operation will make both legs same and correct leg disripency . My rigt hip getting

    worse and more painful. The surgeon told me when my op.hip wwill be 6 monts they will do next one and honestly i will go stright

    away just not have pain. Im back to work from Wednesday and

    standing 6 to 7 hours on my feet it's very hard. Working in nursing home. Good luck and you wiil be ok.

    Hug Madla💗

    • Posted

      Hi Madla,

      Poor you having to work.Lucky I am retired.I have put inserts in my shoes.

      We are very similar as my right hip is rapidly getting worse.I hope to wait until summer for the other one.Thanks for your reassurance.It is great to have the support of people on this forum xx

      Janet

  • Posted

    Hi Janet I also had a tlhr 6 months ago my operated leg is just

    About 1inch longer Doctor told me could right it's self with time

    So I had to go to chiropodist to get nails cut as still can't reach them

    And she said they see this slot with hippies and sorted me out with

    Heel raisers for my right shoe really good great help try them.

    Janet do you find it painful when you put weight on your hip from

    Sitting , I'm ok once I get going after a few minutes and walk great

    The rest of time it's just putting weight on hip after a sit down for awhile

    Please try the heel raiser ,be great to hear from you .Hugs Anna 🙋

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply Anna.I have worn heel raisers from the beginning but you can't wear them all the time.I do get pain when I stand in my thigh.It is more of a muscle pain

      Janet

  • Posted

    One half of an inch seems a bit much to me...mine are exact but I also only need one replaced. Hopefully when you get the second one done he gets it right!
  • Posted

    Hi Janet,My Left was longer after my first6 months ago,my right is now longer than my left since the right was done.The Doc stated that the right would be equal with the left after the swelling goes down..So not sure but am waiting,observing.
    • Posted

      I also was told to wait with inserts and heel lifts - if too soon, the body will get used to the artificial height, so to speak ... but difference in my legs was a little over 1 cm ... 

       

    • Posted

      Hi Renee,

      Im back to work from Wednesday 25 of January. Its hard be on

      feet 6 hours a day plus toda 7 and half. My legs hurting ,muscles and mostly my non operated hip. I put insole in my shoes to have a balance it help with balance but not with pain. Happy when i finish and go home. I have to take pain killer when i back home from work. Than i walk home with no shoes. I never released how hard will be go back to work after 12 weeks. My operated hip is

      not so bad glad for that. Also weather here is so hot toda 39 C.

      Honestly Renee i dont know how long i will survive with pain.

      At the work in have insole in my shoes others ways will be hurting even more and with my limping because one leg longer than

      other will be probably hurt much more. Hopefully my next hip will be done soon. Some time i cray with pain but not at work but home. What about you Renee how you doing.

      Big hug MADLA💗

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