SuperPath total hip replacement- continued pain
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi, I am 47 and have hip dysplasia in both hips. After two scopes on each side to reshape bone and repair what was left of cartilage/labrum, the left hip is doing ok for the last 3 years but will eventually need replacing. The right hip never got better so I opted for total replacement. This was a year and half ago. I had super path approach by a really good surgeon. But- I’ve had restricted pain ever since. Pain down the inside of my leg from the joint, into my inner knee and down to the instep of my foot some days also. Can’t extend my hip outward too much. Pain is intense! Dr says all X-rays are “clinically good”. Nothing is VISUALLY wrong.
Has anyone else had this same problem? I see so many folks who have very successful replacements and immediately go back to regular lifestyle. Not me. I can’t even go for a walk on most days and really bad days, I use my cane. Please offer any advice or knowledge if anyone has any of what MIGHT be the problem!! Many thanks!
1 like, 36 replies
dean_14074 deana71
Posted
Hi Deana
I'm really sorry to hear that you've had this experience with SuperPath. I hope that your situation improves - and soon.
I'm 46 and was diagnosed with arthritis of both hips in my 30s. After a long period of living with pain, I had arthroscopies that achieved little, so shortly after I opted to have the first of two total hip replacements. My surgery was conducted in the UK by a surgeon with a good reputation, but unfortunately in my case he used the SuperPath technique without consulting me.
I've heard great reports from some people who've undergone this procedure. However, my experience has been very difficult. I had excruciating, searing pain immediately after surgery and although the surgeon said I would recover quicker than if he had carried out a more orthodox operation, I'm still in a bit of a state eight months later: I have pain in the groin and the outer hip, I have pins and needles that extend from the groin to the foot, I can't walk anywhere near as far as I could before the operation. My surgeon thinks there may have been some damage to the psoas tendon. However, another surgeon gave a second opinion and said that it looks like the femoral nerve has been damaged and there may be one or two other problems. Unfortunately, he said that all we can do is to wait a year or so to see how my body responds, because to operate again would be too messy. The hip I've been given is also wider than my own hip, and the socket a bit too large. Not sure if these could be factors in your case?
I have read a lot about the SuperPath technique, and the evidence base for it isn't as strong as some people claim. It's not widely used in the UK, and the organisation that issues guidance for surgeons highlights that there is yet no evidence as to the long-term effects of the operation. Some surgeons are concerned that the operation is carried out with reduced visibility of the joint - for this reason I would never have opted to have this procedure if I'd been given the choice.
That said, I really hope you find out soon what the problem is with your hip and the situation improves. It sounds like things are really bad for you at the moment, and I hope you ultimately get the same level of relieve that many people on this site get from their replacement.
RichardKen dean_14074
Posted
Dear Dean
I'm very sorry that your hip surgery has been so disappointing and with no answers but to basically hang in there.
I really do feel that a surgeon who uses a procedure like the SuperPath without special training or specialist supervision is bordering on professional negligence or at best total stupidity and arrogance. To also do this without discussing it with the patient is just utterly unforgivable.
I would not want my surgeon to be working in other than a very visible operating space even though it would mean a somewhat longer incision.
It is significant IMO that I have read that the lack of visibility and having to do more pulling is why a number of surgeon's have abandoned the anterior approach which is promoted in a similar way to the SuperPath.
Hope you do not have to wait too much longer to get the outcome you had expected and should have had.
Best wishes. Richard
deana71 dean_14074
Posted
Hello Dean,
Thank you so much for your informative reply. It sounds as if we have a lot of similarities with our THR!
My surgeon was specifically trained and had done several successful Super Path surgeries prior to mine, and did tell me about it and this is what I chose. I just now - am beginning to question the procedure itself, as you are also saying.
I am 18 MONTHS post-op and do not go a day without pain. As you state, my pain is in the groin area, but I also have very restricted joint pain still. My pain will run to the inside of my knee and down into the instep of my foot. In the beginning, I had swelling of my foot, discoloration, and swelling of the inside of my knee as well. This is why I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. They thought it was nerve damage due to trauma. I still don't know that is not the case, but it wouldn't explain the JOINT pain that I have. For example, if I lay on my back and bend my knees up, allowing my legs to "fall outward" - my THR leg will only go so far before extensive pain ensues! The motion RANGE is good, whenever they measure it, but when I BEND and move it, it only goes so far until the pain begins! It hurts very badly. So what would be restricting my joint like that? It's very baffling to me. This is what brought me to think about the approach which was used. Maybe the small area to work in caused this? Not certain.
Praying for your situation to get better, as well. Thank you again for your insight!
God bless -
Deana