I was diagnosed at 10 y/o with Leg Perthes and was told ill have to eventually undergo the THR surgery in my left hip. Being an avid cyclist and weight lifter, I am very concerned about how my post-op situation will be. I am 33 and do not plan to ever stop cycling or lifting weights. I understand the recovery is crucial but in the long run, will I ever be able to competitively ride my road bike again? Anyone out there who has had the surgery with the same outlook towards fitness?
Hi Crawdiddytaters
I can give you a few years but I'm also a keen cyclist and was still riding up to a week before my left THR op in mid-November 2017. I had no complications after the operation and followed the prescribed exercise regime to get my leg/hip muscles back into working order in the weeks after surgery. I was able to ditch the crutches within 3 weeks but continued with a walking stick when outdoors for a few weeks more.
I got back on the bike on 23rd March 2018 and did a steady 8 miles just to see how things went. I was a bit nervous about using my cleated pedals but everything went fine. I then continued to cycle regularly with the mileage increasing over the next couple of months. 2 years on and I'm back to my pre-op fitness levels. In fact I reckon my cycling contributed to speeding up my recovery. My surgeon was also in full support of cycling as an excellent low impact means of exercising that won't put any stress on the new hip joint.
Can't comment on the weightlifting but I would imagine the low squat needed in the snatch might be a bit of a strain on a new joint.
Hi, ive had both hips replaced due to hip dysplasia. I am pretty fit and active now more so than before. There are plenty of folk on here that cycle. Its a low impact sport. Check with yr surgeon but pretty sure you will be able to build back up to full on cycling.
My son had leg perthes in both hips diagnosed at 8. He had 2 hip reconstructions but will need his hips replaced soon. Hes 30 now and is a snowboarder, among other sports. Not sure snowboarding will be allowed after surgery.
Good luck Im sure it will work out.
Thank you for the replies- I am talking to a surgeon about everything this week. My body (level of pain) is telling me its time. Being at a point where I have to pop a high mg hydrocodone by noon to get through work is not very productive. I cannot wait for this stabbing pain to finally be gone.
Hi crawdiddy
was relatively fit going into op running around 25 km per week right up until day before op and I agree your fitness before hand will keep benefits afterward. I was dammed if I was going to let the hip run my life and returned to running tentatively at week 4 to much scorn I may add lol . I too religiously did the excercises and did some cycling from day 12 to strengthen the legs and ass . I dont see why you cant return to the cycling but squatting with weight on bar and certain excercises will be a problem . I went back into the gym for a few weeks when off and did find the bending up and down with weights at times strenuous on the hip but it will come over time .
Andy Murray seems to be doing well after hip surgery. I suppose it really depends on the individual. I must admit I don't know of any competitive cyclists with a new hip, but I am sure there are a few around.
Hi I had right THR two weeks ago being a 200 mile+ a week cyclist and have been on exercise bike in gym since day 5 and got onto Brompton (easier to mount low top tube) today for the first time and all good. Currently power in right leg is not there but that's hardly surprising. I obviously can't talk to long term return to things but I have just stuck to the rules mounting and keeping saddle high and I feel its assisting rehab. You will likely be told by medical professionals not to ride under any circumstances in first six weeks. Andrew