Hi, I wrote the story of my hip problems. But something has come of light. In the operative report i noticed the doctor stated that the external rotator capsular flap was missing. Then it says he made one, but it doesnt say how or what material. Previous to this thr, I had a resurfacing, and that operative report says nothing of a missing external rotator capsular flap. So what exactly is this flap, and why is it missing, and what did he make it out of, and is this causing my major pain and swelling?
Thanks, Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Can't answer the questions about why it's missing and what he made it out of, the best source for that is probably the surgeon. I'd sit him down and ask about that.
The flap is part of the hip capsule that supports the stability of the overall hip. It is cut and preserved as much as is possible during either a HR or THR procesure, since it encapsulates the hip.
In a THR, proper healing of the capsule is important in preventing dislocation of the hip, a problem that is much less present in the case of an HR.
This is a good description of the process of opening and closing of the capsule during a THR.
http://www.maitrise-orthop.com/corpusmaitri/orthopaedic/mo54_prevent_disloc/prevent_disloc.shtml (http://www.maitrise-orthop.com/corpusmaitri/orthopaedic/mo54_prevent_disloc/prevent_disloc.shtml)
and it also gives some good illustrations of the procedure. I think it is probably about the same approach for HRs as well.
Good luck, I'd get some answers from the surgeon on what he used and how he replaced the flap; and his theory of why it was missing.