Muscle not repairing after hip operation

The above is not entirely correct.  This is what I found:

The Posterior Approach -

• The gluteus maximus muscle is split and does not require repair as the whole tendon is not removed.

• The piriformis and superior gemeli muscles (2 of 4 external rotators of the hip) are detached and later reattached to bone and will heal over 4–6 weeks.

The Anterior Approach -

• Current advocates claim this approach is entirely muscle sparing, which is not exactly the case. Because of the higher risk of damage to a specific nerve in the thigh, the incision may be moved more to the side, forcing an incision through the muscle bellies of the tensor fascia latae and sartorius muscles, rather than in between.

• The piriformis muscle (1 of 4 muscles that allow for external rotation of the hip) is also cut to allow implantation of the new femoral implant. It cannot be reattached from this approach.

What type did you have?

 

I had a total hip replacement in July 2016, my left hip. I have had my right my replaced in Nov 2010 and no problems with that.

My surgeon said he would refer to his operatioal notes to see whether the muscles was stetched or cut. I'm pretty good at following instructions after an op and do my exercises. I dont think I did anything untoward which would have caused it to not repair.

Hi Kimberely

You are well versed in the manes of muscles! I had atoal hip replacment in July 2016 and the surgeon thinks the muscle has nto repaired. He was going to refer to his operatioal notes to see whther the muscle was stretched or cut. I have no idea yet of the procedure or how like  yit is for me to get stronger.

wow that is soooo interesting! I had posterior and loads of muscle and groin pain adn wehn I asked surgeon could it be the muscles he said I doubt it without even looking at my leg!

Hazel,

Muscle and groin pain is very common and normal after a FHR.  The pain is not usually caused by a torn muscle though.  More common is the healing of the surgical tissue.

I also had my FRHR in July 2016 and have done very well.  The healing process over the first few months seemed slow, but I could feel the progress with each week that passed.

I started physical therapy at approximately 10 days post op.  I went 3 times a week for about 8 weeks.  I continued those exercises on days that I didn't go.  After each session (or when I'd start to feel pain at home) I elevated my leg and applied ice packs.  This reduces inflamation, which reduces any pain or discomfort.

As you have continued with the PT and still having issues, I'd go back to your specialist to have further tests done.  An MRI will be able to detect if there are other issues to be concerned about.

 

Thanks Kimberely, you are confirming my thoughts exactly.  I will seek a referral from my GP and ask BUPA for their support.

is that pain normal at 6 months then? Surgeon says no, Physios say yes, forum says yes..I get confused!

It can be either at 6 months.  If you've been doing physio for several weeks and still in pain, then it's worth getting your specialist to order more tests. 

Oh yes the next step he say is PAIN MANAGEMENT!  I dont want to manage the pain I want to know what is causing it  so will push for an MRI in june when I next see him....

hi hazel, 

A great deal of the recovery takes place in the first two months, but complete return to normal takes longer. Bone around the metal parts keeps changing and remodeling for 1 to 2 years after surgery, which is why you can feel deep aches and, in my case, can tell when the weather changes.  

I am many moons post-op (2 THR surgeries) and my thighs and hips are still tender to the touch -

Is it really pain or perhaps sore and stiff ? 

Unfortunately surgeons are sort of "done" after they performed the surgery - they are only interested in their work and if that looks perfect on x-ray etc. their job is done ..

so your physical therapist will be able to give you more information and advice - 

Be kind to yourself - you are doing great 

big warm hug

renee

one more thing ...

Have you seen the video of this surgery on Youtube?

Not for the meek and squeemish tough - after I watched, I was in awe of my body and surgeons' skill ...

Hello Linda

I sympathise and the plot thickens with what I have learnt this morning. I assume each case is different and treated according to severity and likely recovery. Why did they remove the butt muscle? What does this do exactly? Where are you and have you sought a second opinion?

I'm in the US. To lift/remove muscle was to get to hip better. The posterior approach. I wasn't expecting that. Also muscles are being retrained and even your brain is too to an extent. It's amazing how our bodies work and what takes place with different situations!! I was born with hip dysplasia. 1st year of my like was in a body cast with rid to keep legs apart. I have been short most my life and just kept getting shorter as time went on. So muscles were short ant atrophied by the time I got surgery. So now I same length as my left so you can imagine the muscles, tendons, nerves and tissue ate being pulled and are working differently. They still want to do the same thing as before surgery. It's a process that will take time. No no second opinion yet. Want to give it a year.

Oh I also had tendonitis and bursitis which has been a real pain!! Groin pain too. Now trying to overcome all this and hope all will get. Best of luck to you. LD