Surgery over, but discovered operated leg is longer

Mine is longer. Home PT said by week 12 if still different will need a lift. She said to be sure and wear shoes with some insoles in one and self adjust for now and to keep walking. So far mine has gone from 1/2" to 1/4". Hopefully will adjust some more. Good luck!

Leg length difference is common for a thr. But at the moment it’s likeky to be swelling and the fact you are probably not putting full weight on it therefore holding it up more than before appearing a different length. It’s far too early to worry about it, just try to recover well and talk to your dr about it at a later stage.

My surgeon told me they aim to be within half an inch but mine is 1.5" sadly I will always wear a shoe lift. Worse of than I was to start. I actually don't notice the difference anymore except when I'm in the shower.

I was extremely angry to start with but as I'm stuck with it I'm trying to deal with it. I was told its because my surgeon had to put in a stem one size bigger than planned.

Hope yours is just swelling try putting full weight on it don't avoid that x

How does one know if the leg lengths are different? Is it that noticeable. Or did the doctor mention it? I know it can be one of the results of hip replacement, but often it settles down after a while.

Don’t panic Hannah. 

It may just be swelling.  

Slowly get better .........  

wait and see.  I thought the same the first time around but it was just swelling xxx

Concentrate on recovering sweetheart...   your doing fabulous xx

Blessings

Lynne xx🌺🌺🌺

Leg length difference (LLD) is common following THR surgery, but I was told by surgeon and Physio NOT to use raisers for the first couple of months, but to allow the pelvis to settle down after the torture it had been put through.

I also found that LLD was one of the things in the disclaimer / consent form I had signed just before having the THR operation, as was cut muscles and nerves. Fortunately for me, glaring surgical and hospital errors weren't on the list, so I am currently claiming against those!

LLD is usually only temporary, but a very few people do have ongoing issues which are usually sorted by using lifters in the heel of the shoe.

Best wishes

Graham

Hi Hannah, I'm about 7 months out from thr on my right hip and feel pretty good with my right leg slightly longer than my left.  PT gave me a heel insert, approx 1/2 inch or less and I still use it most of the time when outside walking or working.  Trouble is that most of the time I wear no shoes at all, especially in the summer and I'm wondering if this will have any ill effects on my back long term.  I get a lower back pain just above my new hip ususally in the mornings but it subsides as the day wears on.  I'm due to go back at 8 months so I'll ask the surgeon at that time what my long term solutions will be.  Good luck and I hope you problem goes away with time.

All the best,

Jb

Hello! I had my THR 2 weeks ago, things are getting better every day, despite my DVT.  My dr. Told me my operated leg would be "a little longer for possibly 6 months." It would gradually return to my original length slowly. It has to do with swelling and the body acclimating to a new joint. I noticed 2 days after op during PT, but, now, I don't really feel a difference while cruising around with the walker. Have patience, and do your exercises, it will return to normal.

Hi Hannah!

Greetings from Exeter!

Simply to say I was like you and Ang, and my leg length difference of nearly an inch. 

Yes some people will need an insert,in shoe,  but the surgeon said this difference was common initially, and legs equal lengths within 6 months. This was true for me thankfully!

good luck on your journey. Swim, run, maybe horse ride -but no bungy jumping was my instructions btw

Luv,

Mic x

PS Hi Rocketman - good to see some old timers here still. I drop in once a month, and now 2.5 years post op!

x

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Hannah, unfortunately leg length discrepancy is very common. Hopefully yours will be minimal once the swelling has gone down. It's early days for you though.

I had a r thr 10 years ago and unfortunately discovered I had a scoliosis of my spine which had got much worse because of uneven hips. I have lost 3 inches in height as my spine twists to the side and over. I knew the second I got out of bed about the length. The right thigh looked like it didn't belong to me.

I've tried lifts and corsets but nothing helps. I've been on strong painkillers ever since. I've also developed a bad bursitis on the unoperated thigh as it's had so much more pressure put on it.

Plus the extra work the right leg has had to do has worn the right knee out, and I had that replaced two years ago.

The only light I can see through this long dark tunnel is that I now need the other hip doing. The surgeon, different from previous, is aware of this and is hoping to equalise it a little. So I am in a funny position of looking forward to having the hip replaced! Best wishes to you for your recovery, give it time, you'll be fine. x

Hi, my full hip replacement was 16yrs ago and I ended up with a 2 1/2 cm length difference. I do have some trouble in my knee & ankle. I also have some lower back pain but it’s irritating pain rather than debilitating pain. It throws my gate off. You can get insoles that correct the difference. 

Thanks to everyone for their replies.  It is still a bit off, but I do believe getting better.  I knew there was a possibility of having a length difference.  Swelling still here and he rehab center had a doppler done just in case.  Did my first whole session of PT and felling it!  Hopefully I ill be able to do a full session tomorrow as well.