Hello, so I didn't have a hip replacement, but I had my right leg shortend. Before surgery, my leg was 2.5 cm longer than the left. Because of this discrepancy, I have scoliosis which has caused me pain through out the year's. Both of my legs are perfectly even now. But I'm left with a question did I make the right decision? I'm walking with a pretty bad limp now and am experiencing nerve pain from the screws in my lower femur area. I'm trying to stay positive about it. My physical therapist thinks it's just leg weakness. But I'm having other concerns as I'm completely uncomfortable while walking. I can't help but think, maybe I should have lengthening surgery instead. I don't know I just know I feel completely off. I guess time will tell, it's been exactly 2 months now.
Hi Marie
This has given me something to think about. I have an underdeveloped hip joint which means my left side is almost 2 inches shorter. This happened when I was young so my body has adapted over time although I'm starting to get pain at 25 years old.
I'm looking into hip operations to correct this which will give me back some length! I've heard yoga and a good sport physio contact is a good recovery process. Also, a cycling machine can help with building the muscles in the legs and lower torso.
A hip replacement takes 3 month to recover from, maybe it's the same for your surgery? Stick to recommended stretches and excersises I'm sure things will correct themselves.
Hello miradax, sorry to hear about your leg discrepancy. I know the struggle of having a unequaled limb. My advice to you is just to make sure you get as many different opinions and options from a number of doctors. Nothing is worst than making the wrong choice about surgery. Good luck!
Hi
I'm sorry you are in such pain. I've got kypho scoliosis.....no leg discrepancy but with that {C shape curve and hump at shoulders} and now osteoporosis....I've shrunk a few inches.
Because of the osteoporosis I fractured my greater trochanter bone four weeks post THR and now I have a real dip. 9 months on I'm still on crutches. I think my scoliosis gives me more pain than the fracture. I've received steroid injections for that and it seems to help
Love
Eileen
Why couldn't you have had the back surgery for the curvature....I met a girl of 23 who had major back surgery by the eminent midlands surgeon and it was 100% successful. You didn't say if your two legs were of different lengths measured from the femoral ball? If they were of uneven lengths I can understand it, but if uneven only because of the spine, then it would be very very radical a surgery. You've gone for it, presumably the O surgeon told you it was a good outcome, maybe you have to get used to the pain and in time it won't bother you. Believe me it seems hard to believe that a year on I do not need painkillers cis up to 10 months I was in agony walking, lying, moving! You maybe need to give it a year. Good luck that was a raw deal you were dealt in life. I blame my parents! (Joking)
Hey Eileen, I don't think I'm in as much pain as you are but, hope you get better soon. I know there are great exercise on youtube that can improve your scoliosis .And what has helped me is stretching every chance I get. Also sitting very upright and straight every time I sit. As far as your THR, you should get other orthopedics doctor opinions.
Hi Gentilleschi, thanks for the reply. But yes my right leg was 2.5cm longer than my left leg which caused my hip to shift and spine to curve. The Dr's suggested by evening my legs out this could solve the problem. What they couldn't figure out was rather lengthening or shortning would be better. Because the lengthening would cost more plus be more than two procedures. We figured to shorten the leg would be better. And yes had I not waited 30 years to have this done. I probably wouldn't have this problem. ..lol
Hi Marie,I also have a scoliosis of the spine to the left. This was caused by my left leg being shorter than my right when I was born (with congenital dislocation of both hips, worse on the left). I've done yoga all my life but have never been able to do the poses as well on the right as the left as my spine pulls me to the left. When I had my first hip replacements in 1994 the surgeon lengthened my left leg to match the right - it was only about an inch difference. I still have the scoliosis but don't limp now. I think two months is still very early days after the surgery you have had. I'm two months on from revision of my right hip and still getting lots of aches and pains. As other people have said, perhaps you have to give it more time. This was a very major operation and we sometimes underestimate how long it takes to recover. I would give it 9 to 12 months before you feel fully fit again - it may seem like a long time now but hopefully each day will bring new strength and less pain. Try to stay positive. You have all our support on here and can let of steam whenever you want to! All the best.
Stella (UK)
Was the congenital condition caused at birth or while you were in the womb stella? I read that breech babies born around 20 years ago, sometimes need corrective surgery after being pulled Out by their feet and legs. Apparently, nowadays breech babies are delivered automatically by caesarean, thus avoiding dislocating their tiny hips.... Common sense wasn't very common then either, was it!
Hi there, Yes my congenital condition happened in the womb before I was born. It's a condition like hip dysplasia but I didn't actually have any hip sockets. Nowadays all babies are screened for 'clicky hips' (although mine didn't actually click!). CDH is not hereditary though future generations should be made aware of it. So far I have two children and two grandchildren who have been born with normal hips.
Thank goodness breech babies are delivered by C-section these days!!
Sx