End of stem pain after total hip replacement

Posted by amber67 @amber67, Jan 5, 2017

I fell down stairs july 2015, fractured femor. Surgeon did a partial hip replacement. Had end of stem pain so they did total hip revision in may of 2016. It It has been 8 months and still having end of stem pain. Does anyone know of a treatment for this. I am still on a cane and walker. Thank you.

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I had anterior total hip replacement in anticipation of it the year prior I worked out twice a day, so I’d be in good shape to get back to work quick, I am a police officer. The doctor cut one of my nerves which I guess is one of the things that can happen with anterior, don’t know if that had anything to do with all the issues I had, I had continually pain in the groin where I couldn’t Luft my leg without assistance. So he did a revision 8 months later which seemed to go well until I dislocated a month after surgery, then the cold weather hit and I got end of stem pain it was so bad I had to use a walker which I didn’t even use after surgery. I am extremely frustrated because I don’t know what to do to get rid of this extreme pain in my mind thigh that makes it that sometimes I can just not put weight on my leg. Anyone with suggestions would be so appreciated

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@amber67

Oh my goodness, I can not believe someone answered.  I have never been able to walk without a cane or walker. A few months after the partial in July 2015, I started having sever pain when I put pressure on the operated side to walk. I can stand and sit without pain, but can not put pressure on it to walk. Went to surgeon in January 2016, he said a revision to a full was necessary to correct the pain in the thigh. Went thru the full revision to a full hip in may 2016.  Eight months later after the revision, the same pain and  still on walker,  the pain at the stem along with the inner and outer thigh is so bad, it requires a walker or the leg will buckle and I will fall. I have had a bone scan, nerve conductor test and blood work to rule out infection, loose stem, and nerves. All were negative. I am at my wits end. I have had the exact pain since July 2015, so far no answers as to why, except end of stem pain and the stem is stiffer than bone. Thank you for any help that you can give me Please ask me any questions that you need that may help. 

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I have the outer thigh pain. Diagnosed as Meralgia Paresthetica...it is the femoral cutaneous nerve in thigh. terrible pain and sensitivity. Anything that rubs against it is bothersome all the time. I’ve had injections and a spinal stimulator but still won’t go away. Has been a little over 2 years now!! Had hip replacement than 3 weeks later a revision due to a dislocation a little over 3 years ago. The pain in thigh started about 4/5 months later. And became progressively worse. I’m on gabapentin and as needed tramadol. 1/2 a pill for most part but lately a whole pill. Pain in inner thigh is probably tight muscles and stretched tendons. Wishing you the best

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@drnbastar

I had anterior total hip replacement in anticipation of it the year prior I worked out twice a day, so I’d be in good shape to get back to work quick, I am a police officer. The doctor cut one of my nerves which I guess is one of the things that can happen with anterior, don’t know if that had anything to do with all the issues I had, I had continually pain in the groin where I couldn’t Luft my leg without assistance. So he did a revision 8 months later which seemed to go well until I dislocated a month after surgery, then the cold weather hit and I got end of stem pain it was so bad I had to use a walker which I didn’t even use after surgery. I am extremely frustrated because I don’t know what to do to get rid of this extreme pain in my mind thigh that makes it that sometimes I can just not put weight on my leg. Anyone with suggestions would be so appreciated

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Hi @drnbastar - Welcome to Connect. I am so sorry about the issues you've had with your hip replacement. I have not had hip surgery - just both knees replaced. So I can offer you morale support but not much in the way of sharing experiences. You have definitely come to the right place - a number of people here have had hip replacements. How long ago was your hip replacement and then your revision? Also, I'm curious whether you are still doing any physical therapy - and if so, what does your physical therapist recommend for the pain?

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@debbraw

Hi @drnbastar - Welcome to Connect. I am so sorry about the issues you've had with your hip replacement. I have not had hip surgery - just both knees replaced. So I can offer you morale support but not much in the way of sharing experiences. You have definitely come to the right place - a number of people here have had hip replacements. How long ago was your hip replacement and then your revision? Also, I'm curious whether you are still doing any physical therapy - and if so, what does your physical therapist recommend for the pain?

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Thanks, I had the original hip replacement January 18, the hip revision September 18 and dislocated oct 18, I was in most of that time u until April of this year when I had tried to go back to work and ended up pulling my groin muscle and the doc said to stop all physical activity for 6 weeks after that I’ve just been working out in the pool. I’ve since returned to work but am having a difficult time due to the work I do and the amount of pain in in 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

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I am in immense pain. I have a hip replacement scheduled Jan 24, 2020. I have had 2 complete replacements to my left knee, I had it initially for the first time in 2009 and the second in 201. Doc said all the cement was gone from the 2010 replacment. Could not find an attorney to go after the cement people and not my doc who is great. Only thing is, I had my right knee replaced in 2010 with the same cement. Now that I am in so much pain in my both my knees, doc is saying after hip surgury is done, pain should stop on my knees. Anyone had this problem?...I suffer with pain every day. Josie

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I had a similar situation with intense pain and was still using a walker 5 years after THA for a tumor in my hip joint. Finally found a doctor who put me on Fosamax once a week for three years. His xray showed the long stem of my implant ending at a angle where it rubbed directly on bone. His theory was to change my bone density to accept the prosthesis. It worked!! It's been 8 years since I stopped the Fosamax. No problem, but still need to keep stretching, walking and moving.

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@g0connectmayo

I had a similar situation with intense pain and was still using a walker 5 years after THA for a tumor in my hip joint. Finally found a doctor who put me on Fosamax once a week for three years. His xray showed the long stem of my implant ending at a angle where it rubbed directly on bone. His theory was to change my bone density to accept the prosthesis. It worked!! It's been 8 years since I stopped the Fosamax. No problem, but still need to keep stretching, walking and moving.

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Thanks,I will follow up on this

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I've had both replaced one in 2010 & the other in 2016 can't walk much because of pain in my upper legs I've seen many Doctors all have led me in different directions they checked circulation in my legs and that Doctor said it was my back causing my pain today I had a cat scan but I think it's End of the stem pain, sure would like to fix it

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@amber67

Will, I know exactly what your father is experiencing. I have tried both medications also with no success. I had a CAT scan done last week, still no answers for the pain. The only thing the Ortho can see is that when he compared the regular x-rays is that the bones on both sidee of the stem look weaker. He showed them to us and they do look lighter in color than the other leg that is good. He never did give and answer as to if this can cause so much pain. I know you are so busy, but please do not forget us on this site. You are definitely in a position to find out what we can do for this pain, especially with your father having the pain. We are in our 60 s and we are both too young LOL. Thanks again for all your help and please keep us posted

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I am having the same pain also! My leg can give out without warning or completely freeze up and unable to walk ! Then other times it’s fine.. driving me crazy!

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Hello @jjjames050 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you can relate to @amber67 with regard to the same type of pain.

When was your THR and what does your provider say about your pain and leg giving out/freezing up?

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