Hip Arthroscopy Labral Reconstruction

Redinkc

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I had a labral reconstruction 2/7/19 after two failed scopes (1/2014, 8/2015). I'm off crutches and back to doing most things - but I'm still having a lot of pain. Even worse since they did an injection last week into the side of my hip hoping to break up some of the scar tissue. The pain ranges from stabbing in the groin to feeling like it's burning in the entire hip joint area wrapping around to my rear - this burning pain is new as I don't remember having it pre-op. The pain goes down my leg and meds don't seem to help. Nights are not good and I'm not sleeping well due to the pain. I keep hearing recovery takes a year but can't help feeling sad, frustrated, and discouraged. I'm 44 years old and anxious to have my life back. I am beginning to think that THR would have been better - I've not talked to anyone that is pain free after reconstruction - I guess I'm hoping that it is possible?

Anyone?

I'm still in PT twice a week and I start back to work tomorrow.
 
@Redinkc. I am sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I wish you would have found this site before your 2nd scope. I had a hip scope to repair my labrum and shave off cam and pincer impingements. The Surgeon could not access my joint to repair my labrum but still shaved bone and shaved the labrum down to where I need a reconstruction. 7 months later, my pain is the same as before the scope only worse. I have identical pain to what you are describing but it does not wrap around. My OS will not scope me again and a 2nd scope surgeon I saw for a 2nd opinion told me it would take a herculean effort to reconstruct and I might get 2- 3 years out of it. I am 49. So I felt too young but after seeing a replacement specialist, I am scheduled for replacement (anterior) August 7. I had an MRI before seeing him that showed my labrum was still torn. There are many good people on here to help.

So I guess I am saying did you have anymore imaging and do not feel you are too young.
 
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@Redinkc Welcome to BoneSmart! Unfortunately we see many members who have had scopes or reconstruction move on to THR. This recovery is painful and an be lengthy.

The first thing I suggest is stopping all that PT - especially if you are returning to work. Hips don't really need all that exercise. Walking is the best exercise for a recovering hip.

Are you icing and elevating that op leg?
 
Yeah this was my third surgery and I’m just frustrated that I’m not better - it seems that replacement makes people pain free so I just don’t see why that’s not done more
So I guess I am saying did you have anymore imaging and do not feel you are too young.

I haven’t yet - it sounds like he won’t do anything until I’ve given it a year. I’m honestly just exhausted at this point
 
That stinks. I went to an independent Dr. that was not involved in the surgery and ordered the MRI. They told me a year too, but my surgery was unsuccessful and the pain and MRI showed as such. You are only 3 months out but I understand what you are saying. I know you say they failed, but did you ever get any relief from the 1st two scopes. I am assuming you did not or would not have had the reconstruction. The scope was the biggest regret for me. Also, I have read on here where a scope is a one time thing and do not usually work. Hope you find some answers.
 
Yeah this was my third surgery and I’m just frustrated that I’m not better - it seems that replacement makes people pain free so I just don’t see why that’s not done more instead of the others that don’t seem to work

I had some relief after the first scope - they repaired the tear but it was still impinged and I was still having pain so the same dr went back in and shaved more bone. A new dr did the reconstruction.
 
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I actually researched the hip scope and should have known better. There are too many failures and I have had hip replacements surgeons tell me that the scopes end up being replaced anyway. Some people get 8 years others like myself not so lucky. Good luck if you have any questions. Do not hesitate to ask.
 
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@Redinkc Welcome to BoneSmart! Unfortunately we see many members who have had scopes or reconstruction move on to THR. This recovery is painful and an be lengthy.

The first thing I suggest is stopping all that PT - especially if you are returning to work. Hips don't really need all that exercise. Walking is the best exercise for a recovering hip.

Are you icing and elevating that op leg?

PT keeps going on about strengthening my core stating those muscles play a huge role in stabilizing. Since the shot last week, it seems much worse again and I think I have more of a limp that prior to the injection.

While a lengthy recovery isn't encouraging, i guess I could deal with it if i knew I would recover... it just seems like I can't get any relief. I haven't been the best about icing except at the end of PT, they put me on ice each time. I guess I will get back to doing that. I've read statistics that around 10% go on for a THR but the more I find from people, those statistics seem awfully low...
 
I'm sorry you've had so much pain with your hip and that after 3 operations it still isn't good.

Quite honestly, I think that you need to see another surgeon, one who doesn't think you're "too young" to have a THR.
Hip replacements nowadays can last for 30+ years, so the chances of you needing a revision are pretty slim. Ask to have a THR, to get your hip fixed once and for all.

PT keeps going on about strengthening my core stating those muscles play a huge role in stabilizing. Since the shot last week, it seems much worse again and I think I have more of a limp that prior to the injection.
Hips don't need a lot of exercise. They heal themselves if you just use them for you ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), , so give yourself a rest from PT. Its doing more harm than good.

Here's the recovery reading we give to everyone who's had a hip replacement. Almost all of it applies to your surgery, too.
Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
6. Access these pages on the website

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it

Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.
 
I completely agree with Celle about seeing another surgeon. I live in the Kansas City area as well. Can you tell me who your current surgeon is? I can make some recommendations for you if you're willing to get another opinion or two.

Please tag me in your response if you want my help so I'll see it quickly. You do that by typing my username with the "at" sign in front of it and no space in between. Like this:

@Jamie
 
I don't blame you for being discouraged.....you have been under a lot of stress for way too long. Each time you've had a procedure, I'm sure you've gotten your hopes up, only to have them dashed. And the trauma physically takes a huge toll as well.

I agree completely with those who have suggested stopping PT. The no pain/no gain theory doesn't work with hips. I was a bit skeptical at first when my surgeon, and those on this forum said PT wasn't necessary. But I went with that advice and am grateful I did. I even did research on the daily life activities, including walking, and eventually stairs, and saw that one does use all muscle groups when doing them. In theory, core strengthening is needed, and once you heal you will be able to resume the kinds of activities that address that. But right now you need to rest and heal. Just doing everyday activities will address your core for now. Good luck as you do additional research, and hopefully get a plan for going forward without so much pain. :console2:
 
@Jamie

Cody Harlan did my first two and Dr. Mullen did the reconstruction.

@Debru4

Having the hopes dashed is almost worse than waiting to get it fixed. It's so hard on the outlook!

@Celle

Thank you for the resources! I have been checking them out.

I appreciate all the responses and an anxious to be pain free... sooner vs later!
 
If you want to try to receive a second opinion, here are two hip surgeons I have personal knowledge of that would be good to talk with:

Dr. Scott Cook
Kansas City Orthopedic Institute
3651 College Boulevard, Leawood, KS 66211
(913) 319-7633

Dr. Dan Gurba
Dickson-Diveley Orthopedics
Saint Luke’s Hospital campus
Medical Plaza Building 1, Suite 610
4320 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
(913) 319-7600
Dr. Gurba also sees patients at Kansas City Orthopedic Institute
 
@Redinkc I'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain, I had the same situation (although only 1 surgery prior to my THR, not 3!); I know how depressing and demoralizing this entire thing is, and how pain can weigh on you. I had a THR 8 mos following my failed labral repair -- I'm so so so so 100% happy with my result, and I was 40 at the time of surgery. If you ever want to dm me with questions I'm here. Good luck, keep moving forward with finding solutions!
 
@Redinkc

I Have surgery scheduled with Cody Harlan for an abductor tear. Terrified and would love to hear more about your experience with him.
 
@Cabolover Please start your own thread in the Hip Pre-op section. Redinkc has not been back to BoneSmart in nearly 3 years. You will be more likely to get help with your concerns on a thread of your own.
 
Hello @Cabolover
Welcome to BoneSmart! Thanks for joining us here.
To get the most out of the forum, it would benefit you to start your own thread.
Here is an article explaining how to do that -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/starting-a-new-thread-and-posting.57719/

If you prefer, we can do it for you and use a thread title that catches attention from those you‘re hoping to hear from. Something like “Abductor tear, anyone?“
Not only will you hopefully receive a response from someone who experienced the same, but I believe you’ll appreciate the support and encouragement you’ll receive in having your own thread. We’re here if you have questions.
Please join us!
 
I think you may need a hip replacement, which is OK!!! It's a lifesaver. I had to go to 5 surgeons before I found one who would do it on me (early 40s), when they went in 90% of my cartilage was gone; just a little skirt remained at the bottom of the (bright red!) ball. I'm such a fan of the surgery, I hope you will continue to advocate for yourself -- you can get better!
 

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