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Stem has moved

Posted , 9 users are following.

Ginnys
Ginnys

hi folks

i had my left hip replacement surgery May 30 went to first outside physio  appointment on June 14 for assessment. I had been placing a pillow longwise under my operated leg for sleeping on my back as it more comfortable but physiotherapist told me I shouldn't have done that because my knee wouldn't go flat down when she tested it. She gave me more exercises to do at home and I will be going to physio once a week for approximately 6 weeks. I hate sleeping on my back but will persevere and will do the exercises that were given to me. I'm also walking a bit more each day. Today I went to hospital to have the staples removed and had an X-ray of the hip. My surgeon then reviewed everything said I was walking just fine and the incision looked good. However, the X-ray showed the stem has moved a bit. Surgeon said it is settling in, and everyone heals differently. The only pains I'm having are really aches from my thigh to my knee, especially the knee. He told me that is just normal healing.

i have to go back for another X-ray in two weeks but I am really worried. Is this dislocating? I'm now afraid to do the exercises in case I move something more.

this was done with the posterior approach and is not cemented.

has anyone had this happen to them?

1 like, 20 replies

20 Replies

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  • julie40975
    julie40975 Ginnys

    Posted

    Hi Ginny

    Don't worry about the knee pain I think most people have experienced thigh and knee pain post surgery me included I was convinced they had damaged my knee during surgery but the amount of pulling around they do during the op manifests here.

    If your surgeon and physio are happy try not to worry (easier said...) I found if I was propped up with several pillows at night it was easier sleeping on your back. It's not forever but safer to avoid dislocation. I was also told not to put a pillow under the operated leg as it stopped blood flow. Hope you get sorted soon I'm 6 months on not perfect but oh so much better

    Keep smiling

    Julie

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys julie40975

      Posted

      Hi Julie

      thanks for your comments. I'm mostly worried about the stem moving. The surgeon wasn't concerned but I am. I'm terrified that it will dislocate and I'll have to go through revision and start the process all over again. I'm 78 years old and live alone and I've said in my other posts I am a worrier. I guess I'll know more in two weeks with another X-ray. Hoping the physio I have to do doesn't do anything to the stem.

      Ginny

  • nhquilta
    nhquilta Ginnys

    Posted

    Ginny, try a leg pillow. It's curved so you can hold it between your knees/thighs. I got mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond. My PT told me they used to be required after hip surgery, but no longer. Helps keep your hip aligned properly, I believe.

    My surgery was May 15th. I'm also experiencing the thigh/ knee pain. It's all about the healing process. Good luck to you as your healing progresses!

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys nhquilta

      Posted

      Thank you nhquilta

      i appreciate your advice regarding the pillow.

      hoping your pain abates very soon

      take care

      Ginny

  • Ginnys
    Ginnys

    Posted

    Hi it's Ginny Again

    I am really worried about the stem of the hip replacement that has moved. I asked the surgeon if I should continue on with physio and he said yes. I was concerned that physio would make it worse. I have read that stem movement is a sign of a failed replacement and would have to have a  revision. It's just been a little over two weeks since the operation. Has anyone on this forum had this happen?

    i have to have a X-ray in two weeks and will see surgeon then so I just have to worry about this until then, I feel so depressed about this.. 

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Ginnys

    Posted

    dear ginny, 

    I am so sorry to hear this ... 

    of course your knee is stiff and painful as is your thigh - you just had major invasive surgery where your leg was manipulated to forcefully dislocate the hip joint ... 

    it is easy to think the worse and especially when you live alone -

    I live alone and had 2 THR surgeries and know how thoughts keep going around and around - 

    for now, just try to relax a little - if you are afraid to do some exercises, don't do them or do less of them ... try to keep moving - are you on any blood thinners? 

    allow your body to heal and adjust to the prothesis - 

    I wish I had the right words to ease your worries ...

    come back here anytime, okay ?  

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys renee01952

      Posted

      Hi renee

      thank you for your kind comments. I realize the pains I'm experiencing are from the major surgery but was so shocked when the surgeon said the stem had moved. I am on blood thinners until the end of June. 

      I just pray that what the surgeon said is true and I don't dislocate. He said the stem is settling in. Two weeks from now I will have another X-ray and see the surgeon again. I don't know what could happen in these two weeks, perhaps the stem will establish itself better within the femur, who knows? The surgeon didn't explain anything about that and I was so shocked, I didn't ask for any explanation.

      ill update in two weeks but until then, can't help but worry.

      Ginny

  • deborah18068
    deborah18068 Ginnys

    Posted

    Hi Ginny, we all know that song the foot bone connects to the leg bone, the leg bone connects to the hip bone.  They are all supposed to line up.  Your Doctor said the shaft has moved meaning that the ball and socket joint is still functioning in the correct mannor, but your leg (thigh, knee and calf) are slightly rotated.  Causing stress on the next joint being the knee.  I suffered a stress fracture on my left hip after my right hip was replaced.  As a result my right leg turns inward.  As I walk I have to make sure that my leg is straight.  If I walk uphill I usually without thinking about it walk sideways.  Going downhill is a nightmare waiting to happen.  Before I had my replacement I said my knee and hip hurt.  My primiary

    care doctor told me there was nothing wrong with my knee.  It hurt and was swollen because of the misalignment from my deterioated hip.

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys deborah18068

      Posted

      hi deborah

      thank you very much for your comments

      im sorry you've had to go through so much, are you in a lot of pain now because of your problem? I hope not.

      do you have to have any further surgery?

      as I've posted, I have to worry and wait two weeks until I have another X-ray and then will find out if I'll have to have a revision or ?

      when I had the hip replacement just over two weeks ago I had high expectations that over time I would be back to normal and not be in pain but now I just don't know. 

      Time will tell I guess.

      thanks again Deborah and I do hope things are better for you now.

      Ginny

    • deborah18068
      deborah18068 Ginnys

      Posted

      Ginnys, I have pain every day.  My little stress "fracture" has become a break.  My hips are not level with left hip bone (the part that joins the sacrum part of the spine) seperated by 1/2".  There is no further surgery scheduled or even being considered.  I too had high expectations of being able to carry on with my life.  At least before the replacement, even though there was no right  hip joint, I could walk.  Now I cannot take 1 unassisted step.  I wish you lots of luck with your recovery and I would not wish my condition on my worst enemy.

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys deborah18068

      Posted

      Dear deborah

      i am so very sorry for what has happened to you. I do hope you can find some kind of answer for your awful condition. There must be something that can be done to help you. I wish you all the best Deborah.

      Ginny

    • linda80011
      linda80011 Ginnys

      Posted

      Ginny, I am 11.5 weeks post op from LTHR and being a worrier have imagined all kinds of problems with my new hip, none of which have happened. This morning for the first time I put on my own socks and lace up shoes! Recovery isn't fast and patience is hard for me.

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys linda80011

      Posted

      Hi Linda

      so glad you are doing well with your recovery. I've been a worrier most of my life and have the wrinkles to show for that. Lol

      this movement of the stem has given me several more wrinkles I'm sure. 

      I just wish I knew now what is going to happen with this predicament. As I said previously I have to wait two more weeks before I get some kind of answer. 

      Keep up the great work with your recovery.

      Ginny

  • judith12644
    judith12644 Ginnys

    Posted

    Hi Ginnys, so sorry to hear about your stem. I can see that you must be worried, but it sounds as though the surgeon isn't too concerned. Good that he's pleased with your walking, and your incision. Try to take it steadily for the next fortnight. Thinking of you, take care, Judith.

    • Ginnys
      Ginnys judith12644

      Posted

      Hi judith

      thanks so much

      im trying to not think about it but it's there every minute

      i wish I had asked more questions when the surgeon told me this but I was stunned as I kind of thought I wasn't doing too badly

      thanks again for your kindness, I appreciate it

      all the best to you

      Ginny

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