Leg length

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.

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

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.

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

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💗

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 🙋

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!

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.