What kind of mobility can I expect with an antibiotic spacer in my hip

I am 16 weeks post op for right partial hip replacement.but I still have pain occasionally in my glute and thigh.but not in my hip.especially after sitting or lying down.

I had a hip replacement 8 months ago. I developed severe pain in the hip and was diagnosed with infection. So 5 weeks ago I had an antibiotic hip spacer placed in my left hip for the infection. The surgeon also used antibiotic beads and also I’m on IV antibiotics. I’m 5 weeks post op and still having some drainage from the incision. Is this common? The surgeon says it’s not unusual and should subside but Im worried about it. Has anyone had a similar experience?

I have not had your experience with hip replacement surgery. However, I am anticipating hip replacement surgery as I grow older. I studied ballet and modern dance when I was a youngster and still practice warm ups. I am already hurting in my hip joints. Regarding your infection, there are several options you could pursue to improve you healing process, if you are assertive with your medical care.

Ask your post care medicare team to check your white blood cell count to see if any vitamins or other drugs can boost your immune system. Review your wound care regimen. Make sure your dressings are changed frequently and use anti-bacterial ointment that contains penicillin every four to six hours. To cut costs, you can choose a certified CNA II, LPN, or RN to check wound dressing daily in your home. Request an order from your physician for Medicare or insurance reimbursement. Seek a pro-active medical counselor such as a nurse, physician, or LPC-RN to help develop your post care if you don't have one. Best, regards.

I have some experience which is very similar. These are tricky and your physician MAY be as good as they come. However, an infectious disease consult with possible culture is not unreasonable. Given your antibiotic coverage already onboard, an infection seems unlikely but why not go the extra step to be sure and rule out the drainage is not from an ongoing infection? Let us know and good luck. I am currently 2 weeks post op removal of spacer and
Implantation of a new hip prosthesis. It feels great and wound looks good, BUT my original surgery had a wound infection 3 weeks after the surgery so I’m paranoid. You are justifiably concerned. Don’t leave it up to the docs. Be proactive. I wish I had been the first time around. Now I know better. I lived with an infection for 4 years plus undiagnosed despite my complaints of pain etc. You can do it and I wish you well.

Hi @danagpowell so glad you found Connect and welcome! It looks like @bcs123456 has had a similar situation. You will notice that I did move your post to a conversation that is discussing antibiotic spacers so you can connect with others that have had the same procedure.

You said you are on IV antibiotics. Are you still in the hospital?

No. I’m at home.

Art: I’m 2 weeks past the second stage meaning I now I have a new “revised” hip implant.
The spacer stage is tough and mobility depends a bit on the type of spacer and individual patient. Check with your surgeon. I’ve read a lot about it and things seem to vary. Too much mobility and the spacer can grind too much on your acetabulum. Some spacers are better suited for mobility while others not so much. Be sure to follow precautions as spacers can dislocate. Hang tough, talk with your surgeon and eventually you’ll wake one day and be ready for a new hip. Best of luck to you.

Brian

I had a spacer put in 3 months ago. My doctor said I could use the spacer indefinitely if it felt okay. I walk over a mile every day and do squats with a 20 lb weight to increase strength. I still use one crutch or a cane. I'm going to use the spacer until if and when it gives me problems.

They should do lab work on the fluid. I wouldn't take any chances. I had a severe infection after hip replacement surgery that didn't get diagnosed until I developed a huge abscess after 7 years of pain. I had an antibiotic spacer placed in my left hip and I had IV Vancomycin for 6 weeks. I never had any drainage of any kind, in fact the wound healed perfectly and quickly.

Following three hip replacements, my husband has now developed a staph aureus infection. He's undergone a course of antibiotics for 3 months and they've now found that he has infection in his femur. He's now on a 12 week course of antibiotics and hopefully at the end of this, if no infection, they will put a new hip in. Has anyone encountered a similar issue. If the infection doesn't go away, he's been told that he will permanently not have a hip. Can anyone with a similar diagnosis tell me what life is like without a hip - how is your mobility, can you still work and do you still have pain?