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
0 likes, 17 replies
maureen44782 janet86017
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.
renee01952 janet86017
Posted
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
janet86017 renee01952
Posted
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
renee01952 janet86017
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 ....
ray14428 janet86017
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.
janet86017 ray14428
Posted
Ha ha! Lucky you.I don't.As a 5ft 9 in female I am tall enough lol
mark26805 janet86017
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
madla39168 janet86017
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💗
janet86017 madla39168
Posted
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
anna87839 janet86017
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 🙋
janet86017 anna87839
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
m0rningangel1 janet86017
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Msky janet86017
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janet86017 Msky
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renee01952 Msky
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madla39168 renee01952
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💗