I had my hip replace in April 2017..Has anyone ended up with that leg longer rthan the other? My Doctor said it is not longer but it is. I lean to the lright if both feet are equal.
I recommend getting an appt with another Ortho
This happens a lot. You can get a lift insert to put in your shoe and eventually your legs should equalize and work out the discrepancy. I wore an insert at first, but don't really need it anymore.
My discrepancy was only about 3/4 of an inch rather than 2 inches. Are you experiencing issues in your walking and pain?
Hi. Could you not ask for an X-ray ? Surely this would decide whether or not there is a difference.
If there is, how would it be rectified ? Can it be done with Physio? X
I find this topic to be very unsettling. I have not had my surgery yet, but I am scared to death that I will end up with this problem. Why does this happen?
Hi Abby sometimes the way you favour the operated leg can make it appear that you have a leg length disrepency, have you measured it.
Lay on a completly flat surface.
Get a cotton tape measure or if you don't have one a piece of string.
Measure from the top of the hip (same place on both sides and keep legs straight) measure down to the inner ankle bone and then repeat the other side, you can't do this alone, you need someone else to do this for you.
I fractured my hip and pelvic bone a year ago and had a 2 inch discrepancy and it was very very obvious, no Dr could have said I hadn't, also it makes you lurch bady
Just to be clear, the top of the hip bone, you can do it from belly button but you have to be super slim to do it From there
dear abby,
warm welcome to the hippies forum
I have copied a response to another forum member who started a similar discussion -
It is not unusual that we think that there is a leg length difference after hip replacement surgery.
As the hip was wearing out, it was losing the thickness of cartilage in the joint. This shortened the leg over time. Some of us actually wear into the bone itself and shorten the leg even further.
It is nearly always the case that the bad hip is the short leg.
In surgery the goal is to make the legs equal.
The correction in your leg length happens immediately in surgery , however the brain is used to the slow progression to the short leg we had before the surgery.
That is why initially it will feel like the side that is fixed is longer.
The legs should feel equal with time (from 6 weeks to 12 months) after surgery as the brain gets used to the new signals from the muscles around your hip joint.
My surgeon didn't want me to get shoe insert until 2nd hip was replaced as this might cause problems with rest of body (like pelvis and back)
When is your follow up appointment?
let us know how you are getting on otherwise and come here any time you have a question or concern ...
big warm hug
renee
Hi Abby
I am not disputing what you are saying but I was absolutely convinced my left leg was longer it dragged along the floor it felt wrong I was desperately unhappy. But it wasn't. I know it can happen but it also takes some time to settle I don't know why. I am fine now but it was scary at the time. If the consultant says it's not then take some comfort I am sure you hey would tell you of any discrepancy as we are all made aware it can happen.
Best wishes julie
I have heard this. THANK YOU for the encouraging words.
got the message, thanks
I am three weeks post surgery and have the same problem. It's a good 1 1/2 inches at the moment. Renee has been most helpful and reasuring and I'm hoping it will sort it's self out. My surgeon tell me, looking at my X-rays my legs are the same lengh it's the fact that I have over compensated that has put my pelvis out and it will improve in time. Keep me posted Abby. xx