1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Uneven Leg Length on 2nd THR

Posted , 4 users are following.

gail2910-US-MI
gail2910-US-MI

Hi all,

I'm wondering if some of you have experience with this. I had my second hip done on Wed. Jan 20, about 7 wks after the first one. When I walked following surgery, it felt like my right foot was going into a hole with each step-- That there was a significant difference in leg length. Everything else went fine although my dressing is larger than the first time. Surgeon wasn't at all defensive when I saw him the next morning. He listened to my concerns, said he thought legs were good and told me to give it 6 wks for swelling to go down and that it usually resolves.(No mention of why there was so much more swelling this time.) I came home Thursday afternoon and am keeping ice on it and doing exercises. It maybe has changed a little bit but whole hip feels so lumpy and bumpy and it's as if I can feel the new joint inside which I never did before.

I like and trust my Dr. and intellectually I knew it might be different this go round but it is disconcerting nonetheless and makes me fearful and blue. I have no stomach for additional surgery.So, I know it's premature but I am seeking reassurance if anyone has lived with this. Thank you. Gail

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • lors23
    lors23 gail2910-US-MI

    Posted

    Hi Gail

    Not having my 2nd hip done until feb which will be 8 week after 1st but my doctor said to me on wednesday don't expect it to be same as 1st one as it could be a totally diffrent experience. Firstly he said there could be more swelling or less and more brusing or less he said the pain might be completly diffrent from 1st. He reffrered to them as children the left being peter and the right being paul and they will behave in completly diffrent ways. Unlike you l did experience pain down my thigh just above the knee it was as if l could feel the bottom of the knew hip going into my bone and was quite sore for some weeks. But found out this was common and its where the new hip is merging with your femur bone. Good news is it goes away mines has now completly. I can't help you with the height diffrence as l have still to experience my 2nd one but l am sure you are worrying for nothing. Give it a few weeks until everything settles and see how it feels.

    Hang in there and allow your body to heal

    Laura x

    • gail2910-US-MI
      gail2910-US-MI lors23

      Posted

      Thank you, Laura. A big part of this game is mental, isn't it? The pain is not so alarming to me as I know it will recede with time but I ws not prepared for the leg length discrepancy. It may well be perceptual. I appreciate your thoughts and certainly wish you well in February!
  • rose0000
    rose0000 gail2910-US-MI

    Posted

    Gail - well done for getting through your second hip replacement. I also can feel the new hip - it is wearing off now at seven weeks but still comes and go, but is becoming less. So hopefully it will be the same for you.

    I think swelling can definitely make your legs feel different - my swelling did that and my husband measured my legs across my jones lying down. Ask someone to do the same for you. Usually the surgeons know if there is discrepancy. Push to have it double checked if you feel unsure. It must have been such a stressful time having two replacements in such a short space of time - try not to worry too much at this stage - just look after your hips and ask someone to measure you. Take it easy and big hugs

    • rose0000
      rose0000

      Posted

      Jones should read knees. I am using iPhone
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.