I'm 4 weeks post op THR and I have clunking noises in my new hip, its a bit like when a joint cracks, is this normal? Physio said tendons etc will settle down but when?
What type of replacement did you have, ceramic on ceramic or ceramic on polyethylene ?
Arn’t the polyethylene ones usually metal on polyethylene?
Don't panic, lots of folks get clunking, it's normal. Just the parts working themselves in. 🤔
Chris I was going to say tendons or ligaments. They may be getting stuck as they glide over bone. I have it in my neck, makes you think what the hell was that. You should be having your 6 weeks check up soon. So mention it to surgeon.
Only info I have is uncemented ceramic?? I've been doing all my exercises and if I press on my hip/leg when doing them it seems to help.
Thanks for this, it just feels so weird.
I am eight weeks out and I have the same noises coming from my hip. My doctor and physical therapists say it is normal because the muscles have all been moved around, because there is fluid related to the surgery and muscles have atrophied because of lack of use. They claim that once I build up the muscles they will support the new hip socket and the noise will stop. It is unnerving when it happens though!
I have ceramic on ceramic and have exactly this too. It does feel weird. Doesn’t hurt but is disconcerting and as you say if you press on it or when I tense my muscles as hard as I can it is less marked. My surgeon thinks it’s just soft tissue which is what I’m hoping too but sometimes I feel it’s almost about to give way. I’m still walking with two sticks so not fully weightbearing on that hip yet, are you managing to walk unaided?
Really hoping things will settle down and that it is just tendons and muscles causing it but relieved to hear someone else has this too! (Sorry!!)
Best wishes
Rachel
No.
Metal is not used nowadays due to potential blood poisoning down the line.
The surgeon should have explained prior to the operation what type of prosthesis was being used,
Ceramic on ceramic is the longest lasting and least wearing of the types but is prone to clicking. Ceramic on polyethylene is a close second but normally silent.
The titanium stem can be cemented or un-cemented. If it is cemented, it allows for a quicker bonding but can break down over the years causing a loose implant. They can also coat it with an anti biotic. Un-cemented takes a little longer for stability but due to the design, bone will grow into the stem creating a firm joint that will last.
Dear Chris I have clunking in my hip which was done 3.5 years ago which is uncemented steel and cobalt cup I think. I also have popping when I exercise on my other hip which is cemented stainless steel stem with ceramic on ceramic head. This is only when I do the exercises where you lift your leg up like 'marching'. I think its called snapping hip syndrome. Doctor told me it is the muscle going over the tronchanta bone.
Hi mary do you find the clunking stops if you press on your muscle?
Hi rachel, I'm not using sticks and it doesn't feel like it will give way so I'm hoping it will get better