Mobility issues after resurfacing

[JCon13]

Hello all,

I am now a little over a year post op of having my right hip replaced. I was 35 and suffering from severe arthritis in my hip due to the cartilage being almost completely gone.

While that pain is gone my mobility is about the same as it was before the surgery and I have a few other issues as a result. I have a lot of aching in the front of my hip that aggravates me when I lift my leg. I’ve also thrown out my back twice on the left side, and also have terrible sciatica in the left glute.

I’ve followed my PT regimin to a T and was stretching every day until I threw my back out. I can bring my left leg to my chest but the right one only slightly past 90 degrees. This concerns me quite a bit and I’m also a bit concerned about what my surgeon said which was that I might have more mobility if he reamed the socket another millimeter or 2.

Anyone have any advice, experience, or suggestions for this situation?

Thanks so much!

[ScubaDuck]

Which device was implanted?  I have had a Birmingham full metal device for 12 years on my left and now a EndoTec ceramic device for 8 months on my right.  I can pull my right knee up much further than the left.  My physical therapist and I have discussed whether this is due to the scar tissue, device restrictions, or lack of stretching early on that side.  I don't think it will prevent me from doing any normal activities but it is curious.

I had pain and tightness in the hip flexor (front of the hip) off and on for a long time after my left hip surgery.  Eventually it became less and finally went away.  It has been interesting that I am actually getting alot of tightness on the left as I work my right side.

I would definitely encourage the stretching.  Perhaps the physical therapist can suggest some alternate stretches that don't stress the back as much.

Best wishes.

[JCon13]

Thank you for the feedback! I have the BHR device. I am hopeful that it’s just scar tissue causing restrictions and it’s something I can work at but I’m not sure at this point. It’s a bit frustrating due to some of the other issues I’m experiencing as a result.

[obxpelican]

It never hurts to ask for new xrays and have your doc check them.   A year out you should not be having pain.  None of us are doctors.  This is what I would do. 

It's strange to me that your doctor mentioned that the acetabulum might need to be deeper?

Get a digital copy of your xrays in case you wanted to get a 2nd opinion, although many doctors want their own.

- Chuck

[JCon13]

Sorry for the slow follow up and thank you for the advice. I did this and was able to see what the issue is.

There’s a ton of what he said is calcified blood and what I believe he said were osteophytes that are causing me issues.

I’m going to look into it more but has any one else had this experience and has anything helped to breakdown any tissue or material and provide improvement?

Thank you all!

[jimbone]

JCon-

Did the surgeon indicate the cause of the calcified blood [not anything I'm familiar with] or how/why/if there is a reason and procedure to remove/deal with it.  Look forward to a response and wish you good luck.

[JCon13]

Hello all, thanks for the information and questions.

Dr. Anton Plakseychuk performed the resurfacing, he also did the scopes I had done years ago. I’m not upset with his work as this really appears to not be an issue with his technique.

Outside of how he explained it to me, I read his medical notes and he called it “Heterotopic Ossification”, which upon further research seems fairly common to occur. Though, I believe I have a more severe case of it. He wants to review it again in a year and go from there, I however, am going to have another surgeon take a look and see what he thinks.

If it was a small issue I think I could tolerate it but I am having pain tying my shoes, trimming nails, and other similar movements. I’ll keep you all posted, please share any advice or experiences you may have with this and thank you!!