Hello fellow hip op patients. I had a RTHR on 7th May and was a bit upset to find my operated leg is now a good 10mm longer than my left leg. The surgeon had to do a bone graft as the joint was so badly worn. He then told me that the other hip needs doing before it gets as bad. I'm hoping when I have the second operation it will make both legs the same length. Has anyone else had this problem. Glad I found this forum, it's good to get other people's experiences. Thanks
Hi Jill, I had lthr on 11th Dec last year. Was told it would cure the dreadful pain in both knees but it hasnt done. Was also told my legs would be the same length after the op. They werent . My left leg is longer! Saw my surgeon Feb 24th and he said that owing to right hip dysplasia, I would need it replacing too! They never said anything about this before my left hip was replaced! So it seems I'm also heading for another hip replacement before the end of the year! I'm 57 by the way.
Yes. Just had 3rd op on right hip, wherein surgeon has lengthened leg by 4cms. Fells weird but really pleased.
Im in the same boat. my right leg is now an inch and a half longer than the left and where i was assuming this op would give the other leg a longer life my surgeon doesnt want it getting as bad so wants it done within 12 months. Im seeing physio next week and will be talking to them about heel lifts etc as i cant walk around wonky for 12 months
Hello Shirley, I had left knee replacement in 2008 and right knee replacement in 2010. Very pleased with the left one but the right one doesn't feel right and the hip op on that side hasn't helped. I hope your 2nd hip replacement will make your legs the same length. I wonder if you need knee surgery as well 
I have just turned 69.
Hi, glad to hear you are pleased with your op, I don't think I will get used to my leg being longer if they can't fix it with the other hip being done. Do you have to have your left shoe lifted. I worry that the leg length difference will put the hip out of alignment?
Yikes! and inch and a half is a lot. I was hoping that my other hip could go on for a bit longer but my surgeon said he is going to book me in for it to be done when I go back for my six week check up on 19th June. I am waiting for an appointment to get some orthotics for my shoes to see if it helps. I hope you can get something to help you while you wait for the other one to be done. No fun is it
When I had my first hip done the surgeon made it a bit longer so it is possible. I've just had the other one done and that feels longer though I don't know if that's just a feeling. However I've lived for years with different leg lengths due to different pelvis sizes. If it's a new thing for you you should be able to get foot inserts or shoe raisers from the hospital. Then when you have the next one done hopefully they will be able to equalise the legs.
Thank you Anne.
I have the same problem, but was made aware of the issue before the surgery. I am having my other hip redone in about 4 months and then, I am assured, I will be even again.
My doctor does not want me to wear any kind of lifts, he says the muscles in my operated leg will have to stretch out after shrinking to accommodate my worn hip. And I can tell you my muscles are not happy campers, especially at night. I am only taking over-the-counter meds and simply coping. It has only been five weeks since my operation, had it done anterior, which is much less stress on your body. Neverr used a walker, a cane for 3 days and negoiated stairs 24 hrs after the operation.
So don't stress too much about the leg difference, but understand that your surgeon is correct - you need to have the other hip done.
I had my left thr on Dec.5 2014 and it was about 1 1/4 longer, then on March 9 2015 (3 months later) had the right thr done and it is all evened up now. I knew going forward I needed both hips done and was told that leg length was going to be an issue after the the left thr was done. But it all worked out fine. I am 56 and feel good now. I had bad muscle spasams too after surgery but it finally stopped. I was told increase my potassium intake to help muscle spasams and I think it helped. Go for the 2nd op. and get your leg length sorted out it not easy to think about but glad I did it, easier to walk with both legs same length.
I had my RTHR in August 2014. My op leg was 1-1/2" shorter than left. I had pains everywhere. I finally had a revision in February 2015. Now my op leg is only about 1/2" shorter. Still have sciatica, but rest of pains are gone. I refused to have my shoes built up and wearing heal lifts didn't help.
Hi Jill!
I also had this problem and I'm 6 weeks out. My leg seems to be settling in a little more so my limp is becoming less noticeable. I really think Physical Therapy has a lot to do with it.
Good luck to you!
Hi Jill ... I am 9 weeks post op R THR and had my follow up visit with surgeon last week (at 8 weeks) - x-ray showed that my left hip's cartelidge is going with the speed of light and I will need surgery on that hip too ... sigh ... but now I read so many posts from the wonderful people on this forum that they are facing the same - my operated right leg is also 10 mm shorter which is 1 centimeter - I mentioned this to my physical therapist yesterday and she responded: and your point is ???? she pointed out that we all have some difference in our legs .. 1 centimeter is not much and the muscles are still healing and stretching ---- take it easy and take care .... big hug
Hi I am 8 wks post op RTHR and like you my leg is now about 10mm longer but my surgeon told me this may be the case but as both my hips were well naffed he told me he will do my second hip after 3 months which I have got a date for that he would reajust the lenght then, so I would your surgeon will do the same
Regards Ron
Thank you Ingrid
Thank you Shelby, that has given me some confidence that the 2nd op will sort out the problem.
Hi Lynn, sorry to hear about the difficulties you've had. I hope the sciatica improves and you are in less pain.
Thank you Miele
Thank you Renee, your phsical therapist doesn't sound very sympathetic, I think the difference in leg length is a little difficult to cope with when it wasn't a problem before. I hope your second op goes well. Hugs for you too