Total hip replacement with acetabular bone graft - no weight bearing restrictions. Normal?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi all,

I posted on here approx 2 months ago as I was in two minds as to whether to go ahead with THR at 45.  I had some fab advice from members and 2 weeks ago had the surgery.  I'm very happy with the results, clips out today, physio today as very tight adducters causing oain but generally moving about on 2 crutches pain free.  

The physio today confirmed that I'd had a ceramic head and an acetabular bone graft.  My understanding of bone grafts is that the patient is to be non weight bearibg for a period of time to allow the graft to take.  I was up the day after the op with no mention of rest.  I am not due to see my surgeon for another 6 weeks.  A bit worried!  Anybody else had similar?

2 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    Dear Sarah:

    I will pray for you as you go through whatever you decide to do.  I am still suffering from my right hip surgery going on four years.  I am going on 70 years old, and thought I would be pain free from my hips, but the pain is worse than it was when I went to the doctor to get better.  I've had my left hip replaced, which truned out well, no pain after six months, and still doing well with my left hip, which was the reason I wasn't afraid to have the right hip replaced.  This right hip replacemnet has been a nightmare, and changed my life.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ms. Millie

    • Posted

      Hi Millie,

      Thanks for your reply.  I'm really sorry to hear you're still having pain with your hip, what is the likely outcome for you?  Wishing you all the best.  

      Sarah

  • Posted

    Whenever I have heard of a bone graft on a hip/leg I have always heard about it in conjunction with weight bearing restrictions. I would contact the surgeon's office about this important question.

    • Posted

      Hi Annie,

      I've called today, secretary is off until tomorrow!!Longer to stress about it!!  

      Sarah

  • Posted

    hi sarah, 

    interesting that your physical therapist had to tell you that you had an acetabular bone graft ...

    definitely call surgeon or secretary to find out if this is correct and ask about the weight-/non weightbearing issue - 

    how are you doing otherwise .. please let us know, okay ...

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Posted

      Hi Renee

      I'm doing so so well otherwise thank you.  I've been quite suprised at how quickly my healing has taken place.  I had a C-section 5 years ago and the post op pain was far worse and and so was my mobility!! However the beautiful bundle of joy I had to look after took the edge off it all!!

      I'm walking well on 2 crutches and around the house can manage on one although I'm trying to stay on 2.  I'm resting most of the time between exercises and walking outside twice a day. I'm on paracetamol for pain management but to be honest probably can go without now, I'm just finishing the course I was issued on leaving hospital.

      I'm loving that my leg will move beyond a certain point now, the O/A had reduced so much of my abd/add and rotation movement (hence the tight painful muscles) that my brain keeps telling me it's not my own leg I'm seeing - very strange!!

      The PT told me because I asked her to read my notes, I'd assumed that because I didn't see my surgeon after the op all was well.  I was also told by the ward staff that all went well too.  She just read out to me what was written (as best as she could read) and 'acetabular bone graft' and 'routine'  were there.  Ignorance is bliss!

      Sarah

  • Posted

    After my op 3 weeks ago the surgeon told me I'd had an acetabular cyst that he'd filled with my own bone - I guess this is the same as what you had - and there was no mention of not bearing weight.  I have taken things carefully however as I believe it takes soft tissue in this quantity at least 6 weeks to heal, whoever you are.  I am slim and reasonably supple for my 66 years and my view is that there is plenty of time to see physio/massage therapists (which I'll need to pay for) to help restore muscle function, so I'm not pushing it with walking far.  I do about 4-500 yds a day which isn't much as far as I see from other people's reports, bit it does me.  I exercise a lot in the house, quite firmly but not going too far, a difficult juggling act.....

    My little 5year old granddaughter was very sweet yesterday, running round after Granny with her crutch, and trying to help me up off the sofa.  Reminds me of when I had a sore back when she was half the age she is now and she ran round and kissed my back.

    our infirmities bring out the best in other people, don't you all think??!

    Good luck Sarah with your progress.

    Rose

     

    • Posted

      Hi Rose,

      Good to hear from someone with similar result.  I'm reassured you also are weight bearing and have no restrictions other than the usual one's. Being able to research on the internet - without having the full picture causes panic! 

      Yes, I agree, my 5 year old son has loved looking after Mummy, I've seen his caring side and I'm so pleased he has one!!

      Best wishes for your recovery

      Sarah

  • Posted

    Hi Sarah

    I had ceramic, without cement and was weight bearing on Zimmer the day of the op. 2 days later I was on sticks. Exercised from day 2 in and out of bed and at 4 weeks am so happy with results. If you have any worries do contact the surgeon's office. I now wait to have the other hip done because this is now the painful one, the only discomfort in new hip is after 1 hour hydrotherapy exercise! I would always say if you are worried, do make contact. Wishing you a speedy, worry-free recovery. Best wishes.

    • Posted

      Hi Annee,

      You are doing well.... 1 hour hydrotherapy exercises - wow!  When are you having the other hip done?

      Sarah

    • Posted

      Hi Sarah

      Am back to Cons on Monday so will hear then I assume. He originally said 6/52 for post op plus wait 6/52 so not sure if that still same. Nurses said wait 6/12 so willlet you know after Monday. How wonderful to have your son looking after you. Do ask your professionals if you have any doubts tho, it seems we are all different post op. I too found this site so helpful when I came out of hosp, 3 nights in not a lot to get answers to all the questions. Keep up the good work. Best wishes.

  • Posted

    Hello again,

    Just wanted to update you.  I called the surgeons secretary to ask if I should be mobilising after a bone graft straight away.  I'm an NHS patient who had the surgery in a private hospital funded by the NHS to cut down on a waiting list of 40 weeks.  Because of the two seperate hospital departments there was a lot of chasing up going on, as the surgeon himself is on leave and so couldn't answer the question.  It appears from someone reading my notes that although I had an acetabular bone graft I was classed as 'routine' and therefore the physio's were to follow the standard protocol of up and weight bearing the day after the op. I'm partially weight bearing on 2 crutches at the moment and doing well.  In the surgeons absence it was suggested by the physio and ortho nurse that the graft could have been a small one and therefore not a concern.  I have my review appointment in 3 weeks.  Who'd have thought getting a straight answer would have been so frustrating!?!!  

    Regards

    • Posted

      Hi Sarah

      I am so pleased you eventually got a reply. It's so difficult as from the forum it seems everyone's case is different and like yours, every path to getting a reply is different and in your case a motorway journey. Glad you got there in the end. Keep up the patience. We will all get there with time. Sounds like you are progressing well. The Physio today said remember to listen to your body so we must all do that I spose and be patient patients and remember we are still patients. Take care. Best wishes.

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