Can walking be accomplished without a hip or hip replacement?

Hip replacement w/Girdleston is extremely rare. The danger is the return of infection/Sepsis.

Conroy.....I love reading this! So happy for you doing so well. I too, am walking without a hip joint, but mostly with crutches or a walker. I can do a short distance inside the home with a cane, but don't trust myself outside with one. I've been thinking about getting 2 walking/hiking sticks to try them and see how steady I feel with those??? Congratulations.....it's nice to hear someone doing so well. Wishing you continued wellness.....Cindy

Hello linamend.....there is no hip with the Girdlestone procedure. It is a salvage operation and they remove the joint and top of femur causing your leg to be 1.5 to even 3 inches shorter. Scar tissue takes up the space where your hip joint was. You can Google 'Girdlestone Resection" for more info. The procedure was named after Dr Girdlestone who first did the procedure. I had my Girdlestone procedure done 2 years ago. I hope this info helps you and wishing you wellness.... Cindy

Hi Linamend
Very rarely will they insert a replacement. Most of us here do not have replacements due to high risk infections and or other related issues. Girdlestone resections are performed as a last resort measure.
I myself had several bone infections of the right hip and then had Girdlestone resection performed due "severe reoccurring sepsis".

Hi Conroy- that’s amazing. I’m also really pleased for you. Cindy, we need to keep going, there’s hope for us yet.
I’ve stopped physiotherapy in June 2024 after Girdlestone op in November 2023. I replaced physio with my old gym membership. Much cheaper and my physio gave me a range of exercises to do (weight machines - called egym). I do about 1 hour and 4 times a week. So far I can walk with my frame or crutches. I can also manage with one crutch around the kitchen and just touching the worktop, but I’m afraid to try without the worktop. I’m determined to keep trying - I’m convinced it’s mostly psychological, since I can take the odd step with “no touching”. Also, I’m afraid of falling. I signed off with my surgeon two weeks ago and he encouraged me to keep trying BUT “don’t fall over” were his exact words.
Anyway, I’ll keep persevering. Glad to hear you’re both positive, along with most people on this forum.
Terry (in Portugal).

Hello Terry....sounds like you're doing a great job and keep up the good work with strengthening! I'm 2.5 years out from Girdlestone and can take about 50 steps or so with no aid, but it's gimpy and not worth the fall risk really. I hobble around in my kitchen and hold onto counters and that works for me, otherwise I use a walker or a crutch. I want to do all I can to prevent a fall and breaking my other hip or anything requiring surgery! Keep up the good work! .....Cindy (Michigan, USA)

Hey Cindy - that’s very encouraging, to see what you’ve achieved in 2.5 years. Actually quite amazing (50 steps with no aids)! I really admire your attitude and I’m going to try and achieve something similar, now I know it can be done. Very sensible that you’re aware of the dangers of falling. If to take 50 steps is my dream, then to fall is my nightmare. My doctor advised me to aim “for one stick”, but “do NOT fall”.
Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. Stay safe.
Terry

Hi Terry....I'm sure with your determination and hard work, you will get there! I can also walk with one cane around in the house, but I usually use my walker with the seat on it so I can carry stuff around or put laundry basket on it, etc. I have fallen a couple times since my surgery, and hurt my pride more than anything else! I was using the walker and it just got away from me or I stumbled a bit and the 2nd time I was going to sit on the corner of my bed and partially missed it and went right down to the floor on my surgical side. That was just a couple weeks ago when getting ready to go camping. I must have enough scar tissue in there to help pad everything as I wasn't hurt bad. I just iced area immediately and we left for camping 2 days later and I was fine. I'm a retired nurse and figured as long as I could move everything and walk on it, I was fine and I was. Soooooo......if you do fall sometime....you may be just fine afterwards, but I'm still trying to avoid it!!!! Good luck in your journey to wellness!
Cindy

I use a walker with no wheels, but is it possible to go with a rollator?
Terry

I am a year and a half out from having my hip removed. I graduated from my wheelchair to a standard walker and recently started using a rollator. I also have been working on just using a cane but that is extremely difficult. A shoe lift is essential for every method except the wheelchair. You need to find a really competent orthodist to fit you for the shoe. The goal is to have both hips level. This should eliminate most of your pain. I sometimes have discomfort but no pain and I never fall. I also have a terrific physical therapist who comes to my home twice a week. I wish you the best of luck!