Loss of flexibility and ROM after resurfacing

[NikkiW]

I am now 18 months post-op left hip resurfacing with Pritchett.  While I don't have any pain and can walk normally, I am very concerned about what seems to be a permanent issue with the piriformus muscle in my operated leg.  I have been to 4 or 5 different physical therapists, tried acupuncture and deep tissue massage, dry needling, and all kinds of stretching.  I cannot rotate my left leg more than 13 degrees (external rotation) and the normal is 45 degrees.  My PT says I have severely restricted and tight piriformus muscle.  She is concerned that Pritchett might have shortened the muscle during surgery.  I am not at all knowledgeable about the technicalities of how the surgery was performed because I never wanted to get into this level of detail.  It's just too much gore for me and I figure I don't really need or want to know what they do while I am asleep.  But now I am very concerned that there may be permanent damage. I might also mention that after I sent Pritchett my 6 week xray, neither he or his office ever reached out to me to see how I was doing or to offer any kind of follow up.   Did any of you experience anything like this?  I appreciate all suggestions, comments etc. 

[jimbone]

Bilateral Pritchett patient here with successful outcomes.  Few things, first I found it valuable to learn a bit of anatomy both for self edification and body awareness as well as being better able to communicate more meaningfully with PT.  Seen as a functioning unit, it's better to know a bit about the "nuts and bolts" that keep it together and make it work, also makes it easier to dial in just what muscles/soft tissues need attention.  Secondly, can you specify exactly what you mean by external rotation of the leg?  Do you mean external rotation of the hip?  If it is of the hip- are you able to do the clamshell exercise and if so, is this function the one limited to less than 45 degrees?  Your post is not clear to me in that regard.  I found that function challenging to regain as well, probably spent the first 6 months working up to full function which included doing that exercise with increasing resistance.  Resistance bands around the ankles and side stepping exercise were also beneficial in regaining function.  Difficult to say why there wasn't more follow up from the office although your 18 month time frame; sounds like it put your surgery into the early phase of the shut down with attendant limited staffing which might have effected protocols.  I'm a firm believer of self advocacy, most especially in health matters- have you reached out to the office since providing imaging?  Doing so might offer some insight.  Best wishes.