I had a total hip replacement now my leg appears longer

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I had a left total hip replacement 11 days ago.I am progressing well and mobilising with crutches.when I stood in front of the mirror my left hip appears slightly higher and when I stand up my left leg is slightly longer.I am not due to see the surgeon for another 4 weeks and am a little bit worried.Has anyone else had this problem

2

Hi Lynne

I am 13 days post op RTHR and feel exactly as you have described.

i have felt over the last couple of days that this extra length does feel slightly less.  I am putting it down to the fact that everything will be swollen in the joint at the moment.

I'm going to try not to worry about it as there isn't a lot they can do any way, I'm hoping it will settle down over the next few weeks.

My post op appointment is on the 15th of June so I will wait to see what my surgeon says.

Good luck with your recovery.

Love

Paula

3

Thank you Paula for you reassuring message I hoped it might be due to swelling and you are right worrying is not going to change anything.wishing you a speedy recovery take care Lynne

4

I think there are no guarantees as to leg length - it was in my consent form. However both times i have felt the operated leg was longer than the other. It certainly turned out not to be the case the first time after I had recovered.

Have you tried sitting up straight and as square as you can and looking where your knees are. I did that this time and they look the same even though the leg feels longer.

5

I know I had that same feeling.  I was told that the leg has to be given time to settle.  It is swollen even if you can't tell it, and by using it more to walk and putting weight on it, it will feel more even as time goes on.  Mine got way better but took a while like 8 to 10 weeks. Feels great now...no limp or uneveness!

6

I had THR 16 weeks ago and to start with my operated leg felt much longer. Consultant assured me it was wasnt but it definitely looked and felt it. Apparently my pelvis is slightly tilted (which is very common) & am going to physio for. Between physio, walking on it & the swelling slowly going my legs have evened out a bit. I still feel its slightly longer but nothing that worries me. I was told to not think about it too much until at least 3 months post op as things may easily settle and they have. X

7

Hi Lynne I had THR to my right hip 7 weeks ago and that is now longe than my left, but as I also need a THR on my left one and my surgeon told me before he did the op that this could happen but he would fix it when he doe's my left one in July

Regards  Ron

8

Thank you all for your feedback I now feel reassured that this is not unusual and hopefully in time will settle down when the swelling reduces.I read your comments and can identify and sympathize with you all especially the lack of sleep .Last night I tried to sleep on my side but it was causing more pain so obviosley not ready yet. Still early days and things can only get better.

9

I was told at least 6 weeks before sleeping on your side. the reason being there is a danger of dislocation as the leg folds inwards. So you have to wait for the muscles to be stronger to hold the hip in.

I long to sleep on my side too and even tried with a pillow between my legs to prevent inwards movement but like you it still hurt - so best to wait!

10

Hi Lynne!

I am 6 weeks post op and did feel the length discrepancy. But now it seems like it's starting to level out. I'm not limping as much.

11

Hello again Lynne. Physio measured my legs again today..about 8 weeks post op the discrepancy was over an inch and now at 16 weeks its less than half an inch..im delighted with that. So it does get better!!! 😊