I am scheduled to have hip resurfacing in 4 weeks. I have recently read several postings on leg length discrepancies. I also read the chat with Dr. Mont on 9/3 and 8/13/08. He states that resurfacing does not make up for leg length discrepancies. Resurfacing usually leaves you where you were in length. He further says the hip abductors (outside) muscles are tight after surgery and pull the pelvis down or tilt it to the operated side. This creates an apparent lengthening that can be treated by strengthening in physical therapy. Presently the leg on my bad side is perceivably longer than my good side by about 1/2". From what I have been reading on this web site it sounds like it is usually the other way around - the bad side is the short side. My chiropractor calls this an anomoly because my hips are tilted towards my good leg that would normally make that side seem perceivably longer. From what I have been reading it sounds like my leg length issue might be compounded. After my initial consultation with my surgeon I anticipated a pre-surgery consultation/examination to address leg length issue. What is offered as pre-surgery will be a meeting with the anastisiologist, nurses, physical therapists and everyone else associated with the surgery except the surgeon. Should I be concerned and if so what is the best way to address my concern?
Hi
Did you not get a chance to talk to your surgoen about the leg length problem? I would make sure I talked with him/her about it. Call the office and make another apointment or ask to talk with him/her on the phone at their convience.
I would want all my questions answered before I had surgery. If you can't get your questions answered, I would think you would be worried.
I think this is a very important issue for you and needs to be discussed. ONly a doctor looking at you and your x-rays can give you an answer about the possible problem during and after surgery.
Good Luck.
Pat