Inward turned knee after hip replacement

[Junebug]

Hello everyone.
I had my right hip replaced at the beginning of May, 2010. The surgeon told me everything went well but right from the start, I have had great difficulty with knee pain in the operated leg. It looks as if the surgeon put the leg "back in" wrong! (my daughter's comment).

My PT has been giving me exercises to strengthen the necessary muscles but when I sit, the knee still wants to turn in. When I attempt to step on a stair with the operated side, my knee is positioned no where near over top of my foot so I do not have the strength to put my weight on it.

Is there anyone else out there experiencing this problem? Although it has been almost 14 weeks since surgery, I do not see the OS until next week. I saw an assistant at 6 weeks and she advised more physio, which I am doing 2x/week.

 

[Josephine]

That doesn't sound right at all. Can you get a second opinion from an independent surgeon, preferably one that does revisions?

 

[nanamac]

Hi Junebug. Were you "toed in" at all before surgery? I am having a similar problem and have from the get go. I had a revision 2 1/2 weeks after my PRHR because of a fractured femur and I can't remember if it was like that before the 2nd op. Mt right foot goes out to the right side which makes my knee appear to go inward. When I told the OS he said "normal" which I didn't see how it could be. If I try to step up with my op leg my heel seems to lead out to the right side. Does this make any sense to you? I figured I just need to strengthen more...

 

[Junebug]

Hi nanamac, I don't believe I was "toed in" before surgery. My PT says women's femurs tend to slant in because of our wider hips but my knee just doesn't look normal. It is okay when I walk but it takes real effort to force it to an outward position when I sit. When I raise it, as if to step up, it is most apparent. Is it possible that the OS misjudged the position/angle of the leg when the implant went in, Jo? I had it done in Toronto, Canada, by a top, experienced surgeon. The physiotherapists in the rehab hospital were concerned about it but said it would right itself in time. When I step up with my op leg, my foot goes to the right and my knee to the left! I agree with you, nanamac, that I need to strengthen more, but it will be interesting to hear what the OS says about it. Thanks for your reply. The thought of a revision terrifies me.

 

[Jamie]

June, I can understand your concern. Please take Jo's advice and talk to another surgeon or two as soon as you can....preferably before you go back for your follow-up appointment.

I know you will be working on your muscle strengthening in the meantime. Of course, that will be good for you no matter what the outcome is. Please try not to worry, though. The important thing is to make sure you are on the right path and that you know exactly what the problem is. The uncertainty can make a person worry needlessly.

 

[Josephine]

by a top, experienced surgeon

In whose opinion was he "a top, experienced surgeon"?

That phrase is used for almost every other surgeon anyone has ever used and to me it means nothing unless it's the opinion of other hip surgeons as they are the only people informed enough to know.

I'm not saying he wasn't good but if all the surgeons I've heard mentioned were 'top' then the pyramid would be upside down!

However, I don't suppose anyone would relish the risk of a problem - I know I wouldn't. The prospect of a revision would scare me too but if there is a problem, better to face it and get it sorted than spend weeks and months in more pain. So you still need that second opinion and preferably not from one of his colleagues, friends or golfing chums!

 

[PeggyR]

Good luck Junebug, I have always found Jo and Jamie's advice spot on. It sounds like a very good idea to get a second opinion. I'm about a week ahead of you and I can say that this definitly did not happen to me.. Keep us all posted.. x x

 

[Junebug]

Hello all,
Thank you for all your helpful suggestions and comments. I was not able to see another OS before yesterday's appointment - "free" health care in Canada involves long waits for referrals. I was examined by my OS and a senior PT. and they both felt the problem was due to weak abductors and I have been given more exercises - many of them to do in water (we have a hot tub). Does this sound logical?

 

[Jamie]

It's certainly worth a try! I hope the exercises improve things and they definitely will NOT hurt you!!!

 

[Thomasinaa]

Hi Junebug
I'm from Canada also and understand the "not being able" to just see another specialist.. The referrals must come from a GP first.. and convincing them for a second opinon, means another long wait to see surgeon number 2!!!! Yes, we are hooped that way!! I've been waiting since last November for my surgery.. and hope to get "my call" in the fall.

I do hope you can find some answers as this sure does sound weird.

Let us know how you do..