Young hip replacement done! Leg length concern – Advise needed!

Benhughes29

Hello all,

Yesterday I had my THR done aged 35. (My previous posts are linked below).

I have one key concern after the surgery and desperately seeking insight / guidance. My left (operated hip) was half an inch longer Pre op. Post op when first standing on the walker the difference seems even larger. Is this a fundamental surgery error or likely a function of the swelling/ body reaction to tilt / something else.

I can’t imagine given the tools at the disposal of the surgeon there is any room for error?! Is this a common issue/ concern with others and does it correct over time?

also how long should I expect to be on crutches for?!

Thanks in advance

 

Ben

 

Young hip replacement – advise needed!

Home › Forums › You don’t hip replacement done! Leg length concern – Advise needed!

Viewing 6 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • March 10, 2020 at 2:33 am #17918
      Benhughes29
      Participant

      Hello all, Yesterday I had my THR done aged 35. (My previous posts are linked below). I have one key concern after the surgery and desperately seeking
      [See the full post at: You don’t hip replacement done! Leg length concern – Advise needed!]

    • March 10, 2020 at 3:06 am #17920
      Jennywren
      Participant

      Hi Ben,

      I had exactly the same thing. My operated on leg was longer pre surgery and felt worse afterwards. It is swelling and general settling that needs to happen now. My legs felt fairly equal after a few weeks and now (3 years on) I don’t notice any discrepancy at all. Don’t worry, let yourself heal and do all the physio.

    • March 10, 2020 at 3:22 am #17921
      Benhughes29
      Participant

      Thanks so much Jenny. I can’t tell you how worried I am about this point!

    • March 10, 2020 at 4:08 am #17923
      theaireys@ntlworld.com
      Participant

      Hi Ben, I am 5 weeks post THR and if like me you had a pronounced limp before your op, then like me your pelvis will be tilted. Over the next few weeks just by walking and doing your exercises it will re-allign, hope that helps.

    • March 10, 2020 at 5:10 am #17924
      Benhughes29
      Participant

      Thanks

      I just spoke to the Dr and he indeed mentioned the pelvis tilt issue although he focused on the fact that the muscle and tendon tightness may be emphasising the tilt and when the muscles loosen the tilt will correct and then leg will normalise.

      He also mentioned that in surgery inaccuracies of 1-2mm are possible but not 1-2cm.

      Fingers crossed

    • March 10, 2020 at 5:13 am #17925
      Benhughes29
      Participant

      5 weeks post THR are you off crutches yet?

    • March 10, 2020 at 5:35 am #17926
      theaireys@ntlworld.com
      Participant

      I stopped using sticks and pain meds 5 days post op although I knew what to expect and strengthened the area as much as I could from 3 months pre op, as I had my other one done in February last year.Do as much walking as you can, it really is the best thing you can do in the first couple of months. Good luck.

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 6 reply threads
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.