Solution at last ??????

Hi Jean I suppose there's only a choice of two things, reop and shorten or podiatry to give you a lift, how much is the discrepancy

Hi Jean,

Sorry you're going through this. From what I understand, leg discrepencies are fairly common after a hip replacement. If the difference is mild enough, your brain will adjust to it within 6 months. If that doesn't happen, then a shoe lift can be fitted to correct the issue.

Good luck!

I know I had to sign something before surgery saying that I realised there could be leg length discrepancy and that they attempted to limit it to some figure or other but it was not always possible. Also after the op they must have checked on the x-ray as my discharge notes said that leg length was equal. So they should have checked your hip too I would have thought. I had mine done on the NHS.

Firstly, I’m so sorry to hear about your pain.  Do you know what the difference in length is?  If it’s not too much, simple heel raisers work quite well.  You simply put one under the insole in your shoe.  I had my hip replaced a year ago and like you was in constant pain - but not really from the hip.  It was in my thigh and eventually in my back, waist and opposite knee.  I saw the consultant a few times, got sent to an orthotist who had one pair of my boots raised and gave me heel raisers for other shoes.  Sadly none of this worked as my legs were around 4cm different.  The end of the story is that I’m now recovering from revision hip surgery where my implant has been replaced with a longer stem.  Hey presto - my legs are now far more even.  Hopefully you won’t need this drastic solution and raised shoes will work.  Good luck

Dear Jean

Glad that you have found the reason for your pain. In response to your question as to why was it not picked up when you brought your pain to their attention. Lack of care and attention as this should have been pretty obvious to them. The reason for the leg length was basically lack of competence of the surgeon unfortunately. Have you any idea of what the leg difference is?

Cheers Richard

Hi Jean

I too have a 1.5inch leg discrepancy I'm doing physio and have had a insole put in. My physio said the more I strengthen the hip muscles the less the limp. I will always have to wear a shoe lift or have another hip operation to cut some bone down to shorten it, this recovery is taking a long time I don't fancy doing another one. Hope you get sorted x

Have you thought about doing anything legally? I am. 

DJ