girdlestone performed march 2016. originally there was a 1 3/4" leg discrepancy today july 2020 I have 3 1/2" leg discrepancy. I can walk without aids but my body and arms are swinging around I mostly walk using two forearm crutches. I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow and I will ask him for a referral to another surgeon as he will not work on my hip anymore. My first THR was April 2009
I am not surprised by the refusal to do another hip surgery - in fact I am more surprised that we haven't heard from more people in your situation.
There are always reasons for implant failure - sometimes more than one. Most commonly it is MRSA, other bone infection, bad osteoporosis or a fracture after the implant.
My cousin has been without a joint for over 10 years - she had MRSA, and also is diabetic and overweight - no surgeon is willing to risk another surgery. Another friend had to find an ortho who specializes in dealing with complex joint implants after failure due to weak bones - it took 5 years for the 2 of them to agree it was the right time to try again - her results are marginal - still quite a bit of pain, and she will always walk with a cane. (Sorry, I can't provide his name - he has left the area, and I think retired.)
Sorry you are all suffering these difficulties. I suggest that if you believe the underlying cause of failure has been resolved, you seek a surgeon who specializes in complex cases. Mayo, your local University medical school or a teaching hospital is a good place to start looking.
thank you for your response. Today I saw my surgeon and he does not want to work on me. I am fine with that, not ever getting a defined reason why the failure is difficult. The surgeon has agreed to a referral me to another surgeon who specializes in tumor orthopedic cases. This would classify as a difficult case. My hope is that I can receive another hip and never look back
thank you for your response. Today I saw my surgeon and he does not want to work on me. I am fine with that, not ever getting a defined reason why the failure is difficult. The surgeon has agreed to a referral me to another surgeon who specializes in tumor orthopedic cases. This would classify as a difficult case. My hope is that I can receive another hip and never look back
girdlestone performed march 2016. originally there was a 1 3/4" leg discrepancy today july 2020 I have 3 1/2" leg discrepancy. I can walk without aids but my body and arms are swinging around I mostly walk using two forearm crutches. I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow and I will ask him for a referral to another surgeon as he will not work on my hip anymore. My first THR was April 2009
Have you had your shoe built up for the shorter leg. This was the biggest thing that helped me after the surgery. I use a rollator{rolling walker) when I am out because I can move faster and with more stability. I can walk with a cane for short distance like going to adr office or restaurant but have found I have more leg and hip pain on my goid leg when I do.. I will also walk some around the house with no assistance. I do not recommend a lot of walking without a walker or some assistance because over time you will find your spine starting to curve since you can’t walk evenly.
Have you had your shoe built up for the shorter leg. This was the biggest thing that helped me after the surgery. I use a rollator{rolling walker) when I am out because I can move faster and with more stability. I can walk with a cane for short distance like going to adr office or restaurant but have found I have more leg and hip pain on my goid leg when I do.. I will also walk some around the house with no assistance. I do not recommend a lot of walking without a walker or some assistance because over time you will find your spine starting to curve since you can’t walk evenly.
@lbgoforth First, It requires an evaluation from a physical therapist, prosthetist/orthotist or other person with specialized training consult your ortho or primay doc for a referral. Second is selecting an appropriate shoe for building up - must be sturdy & well-fitted. Next, if you buy it at a specialty shoe shop, they may do the build up or will refer you to someone in your area to do it. Finally, you must gradually wear it, and adjustment may be needed to make it work for you - remember, your body has been compensating for that shorter leg for some time, and will need to adapt to the change. It is not quite as simple as just going to a shoe repair shop and saying "build up my shoe."
Sue
Once your prosthetist/orthotics this get the correct build up, you can go to a repair shop if you have a good one in the area. The shoes I use for my build up are New Balance because I have found New Balance fits my foot well and they are a good quality shoe. I use the 574, 501 and 860. Since the build ups aren’t cheap you want to be sure you have a good quality shoe.
Would you mind telling us a bit more about your question? We have a lot of members who have discussed having hip issues or replacements, but I have not come across the question regarding lack of a hip joint. Is this from an injury, surgery, or other medical issue?
Had to take out hip replacement because I obtained pseudomus infection and a massive blood clot at the surgery site had to be in hospital 6 weeks, 4 surgerys, 8 pints of blood, took out hip replacement and put in a spacer walking is getting harder and when I tryto exercise it makes it worse not sure what to do
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Wow my surgeon won't give me another replacement either I'm surprised to hear this has happened to other people
I am not surprised by the refusal to do another hip surgery - in fact I am more surprised that we haven't heard from more people in your situation.
There are always reasons for implant failure - sometimes more than one. Most commonly it is MRSA, other bone infection, bad osteoporosis or a fracture after the implant.
My cousin has been without a joint for over 10 years - she had MRSA, and also is diabetic and overweight - no surgeon is willing to risk another surgery. Another friend had to find an ortho who specializes in dealing with complex joint implants after failure due to weak bones - it took 5 years for the 2 of them to agree it was the right time to try again - her results are marginal - still quite a bit of pain, and she will always walk with a cane. (Sorry, I can't provide his name - he has left the area, and I think retired.)
Sorry you are all suffering these difficulties. I suggest that if you believe the underlying cause of failure has been resolved, you seek a surgeon who specializes in complex cases. Mayo, your local University medical school or a teaching hospital is a good place to start looking.
Sue
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1 Reactionthank you for your response. Today I saw my surgeon and he does not want to work on me. I am fine with that, not ever getting a defined reason why the failure is difficult. The surgeon has agreed to a referral me to another surgeon who specializes in tumor orthopedic cases. This would classify as a difficult case. My hope is that I can receive another hip and never look back
They won't give me clear answers on why doing another hip surgery is so Unattainable. I think its very Unethical to treat patients this way.
Have you had your shoe built up for the shorter leg. This was the biggest thing that helped me after the surgery. I use a rollator{rolling walker) when I am out because I can move faster and with more stability. I can walk with a cane for short distance like going to adr office or restaurant but have found I have more leg and hip pain on my goid leg when I do.. I will also walk some around the house with no assistance. I do not recommend a lot of walking without a walker or some assistance because over time you will find your spine starting to curve since you can’t walk evenly.
Where do you go to have your shoe built up?
@lbgoforth First, It requires an evaluation from a physical therapist, prosthetist/orthotist or other person with specialized training consult your ortho or primay doc for a referral. Second is selecting an appropriate shoe for building up - must be sturdy & well-fitted. Next, if you buy it at a specialty shoe shop, they may do the build up or will refer you to someone in your area to do it. Finally, you must gradually wear it, and adjustment may be needed to make it work for you - remember, your body has been compensating for that shorter leg for some time, and will need to adapt to the change. It is not quite as simple as just going to a shoe repair shop and saying "build up my shoe."
Sue
Once your prosthetist/orthotics this get the correct build up, you can go to a repair shop if you have a good one in the area. The shoes I use for my build up are New Balance because I have found New Balance fits my foot well and they are a good quality shoe. I use the 574, 501 and 860. Since the build ups aren’t cheap you want to be sure you have a good quality shoe.
Had to take out hip replacement because I obtained pseudomus infection and a massive blood clot at the surgery site had to be in hospital 6 weeks, 4 surgerys, 8 pints of blood, took out hip replacement and put in a spacer walking is getting harder and when I tryto exercise it makes it worse not sure what to do
Yess both therapy and at home does not seem to work for me