What to do about thigh pain after hip replacement, anterior approach?

I am sorry that you are dealing with such severe pain after hip replacement - it is pretty unusual after THR, especially to be so long lasting. I have had 5 hip replacement or major revision surgeries, without such serious issues, but I did have outer thigh pain for a time on one side. Like your doc, my surgeon said "the hip is perfect" - that is their area of expertise/concern. A number of other people get the same response when complaining about pain, tightness, etc after joint surgery. Just a penalty we pay for having bodies and treatments so complex that each specialist seems to focus on just one body part or procedure, but so frustrating.
Your description of incredible pain in spite of narcotics makes me wonder if you have nerve pain going on. If a nerve was damaged or severed during the surgery, it won't show up in imaging. Nerves take a very long time to heal or regenerate, and the process can be very painful. After knee (ACL/MCL) repair surgery, it was over one year before the nerves from knee to foot were working again for me.
Have you had any nerve conduction tests or an evaluation to see if that might be the problem? Your surgeon wouldn't be the one to do this - your primary provider might be the right place to start to get a referral.
Sue

I also had tkr in august I had similar pain in thigh I could not even sit in car without a lot of pain…. I used tense unit I also went to mfr massage and chiropractor. Kinetic tape also helped …. It took few months but that pain is gone for me. I also was at pt until yesterday was my last day….. so a lot of exercises and stretches….I do a lot of my own massage also painful but helps in the end….I know how you feel it’s frustrating to be in this much pain for so long …I still do mfr and I use rolling pin on my thigh to keep it loose …..you are in right place I have been there like many others …..try few things hope you can find one or two that can help you ….. use heat and ice helpful

I had my left hip replacement surgery in June 2021. Everything was going well until the prothesis rod going into my femur slipped, which caused severe pain and a hip replacement revision in Aug.
Now I suffer from nerve damage pain in the middle of my left thigh. I've had a nerve conductivity test done on my left leg, and had one injection into a nerve. The injection relieved very little pain. I have pain mostly while standing, walking, and with lateral movement. I'm currently undergoing physical therapy, and continued visits to a pain specialist, which has not relieved much pain.
Help!!!

I am sorry you are having so much pain. Has anyone explained to you how slow the nerve regeneration process can be? Here is an explanation from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-nerve-injuries/symptoms-causes/syc-20355631

When I had a revision of my TKR after tissue damage by the failed original implant, it took the nerve over 2 years to heal completely, though I did not have pain as much as numbness and tingling. Now, 10 years later, I still feel sensitivity and tingling along the area of damage if I touch it, but apparently my brain has learned to mostly ignore it.

Also, remember that nerves heal/regenerate at a VERY slow rate - typically 1-2mm/day, or about 1/4 inch per month.

What have your docs suggested as a next step?
Sue

My Doctor didn't explain how slowly nerves heal. Thanks for your information.
Doctor is changing my meds from Gabapentin and Amitriptyline to Baclofen 10mg.
I'm continuing my Occupational Therapy and doing home exercises.

WHAT is a mfr? Did it help much overall?

Hi @rhuck513, MFR is Myofascial Release Therapy. There is a discussion on the treatment that has a good video to explain how it helps.

Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain:
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Myofascial release I see someone explained it to you … but it has helped me so much I still go …. It helps keep my knee , thigh, lose …. It did help me to get my leg almost completely straight I am like 5-10 degrees off from straight….. I do believe it would help with my flexion but my replacement being to big nothing will help . Since going it has helped my headaches also ….. best thing I did for my recovery….

Did you get immediate pain relief?
How often do you go to therapist?
Is it covered by insurance/ Medicare?

Thanks for your response!!!

I had THR 5 months ago. My hip feels ok but my mid-thigh has been quite painful when walking for the last 2 months. The doctor implied it is a common problem but will take xrays if it persists for another couple months.

I also had extreme swelling and heat/redness in my foot and lower leg which have finally gotten much better recently.

One other potential complication is that 53 years ago I broke my femur, tibia, and fibula in that leg which I think may be contributing to current problems.

Really what I'm wondering about is other peoples' experience with thigh pain after THR and if it has gone away on its own? I just don't know if this is a common problem or not. Prior to surgery I kept hearing how simple it was, "such a lifesaver", etc, and that hasn't really been my experience so far. Thank you.