THR Dislocation mid flight

Thing is I have a life to get on with so don't want to keep hanging on for more tests
Well, you know what? you only have one opportunity to get this thing fixed so I think you need to adjust for priorities, my dear.
Just thinking if there is a 1.4 x 7cm seroma/bursitis behind the greater trochanter then surely there is more room for movement???
Doesn't work like that!

I did read an interesting article about the "dead space" after hip replacement and repair of tissues.
I also read that when the space has been eliminated then atmospheric pressure helps stabilise the joint.
How about some links to these articles?
 
OK.....I will adjust my priorities dear

If you google "seroma and dislocated hip replacement" the first article is entitled Dynamics of hip joint effusion after soft tissue repair in THA

I may appear to be impatient but I am actually scared to death of it happening again
 
OK.....I will adjust my priorities dear
:rofsign:
If you google "seroma and dislocated hip replacement" the first article is entitled Dynamics of hip joint effusion after soft tissue repair in THA
That's a very interesting article, Annie. I've always been aware of the need to do a good capsular repair in a posterior approach but the issue of dead space has never been raised to my knowledge. This article is quite old - 2006 - so one has to take the assumptions with a grain of salt as to whether it really does have a significant influence in THR dislocation and I don't read that in the article anyway. The findings, such as they are, are somewhat muddled and vague in my opinion. Obviously I was wrong in my assumption that a seroma is simply another term for a bursitis and my apologies for that.
Seems there is some fluid at the back of the hip joint (behind the greater trochanter) which may have caused some loosening of the femoral stem. But not quite sure if this is causing the dislocation.
But I'd also be of the opinion that this fluid cannot possibly be connected with a loose stem. Still not so sure about the dislocation.
I wonder if my problem had anything to do with flying. I also read that when the space has been eliminated then atmospheric pressure helps stabilise the joint.
I suspect you were thinking of the cabin pressure when you asked this but I think the article was referring to the local pressure within your body and hip.
I may appear to be impatient but I am actually scared to death of it happening again
Well of course you are! And I hope what I have been saying hasn't in any way led you to suppose I am not taking this seriously. But I'm hoping they might consider a revision for your hip to eliminate any future risk of dislocation.
 
Thank you Josephine. You are obviously very knowledgeable and thank you for your opinions.

I am having a radioactive isotope bone scan on March 2nd and will see the consultant again on 8th March so more waiting I am afraid. I am continuing with my hip strengthening regime in agreement with my specialist physio and will have to learn to be a bit more of a patient patient! We are also resigned to the fact that we will not be travelling anywhere in the foreseeable future
 
Another update! Hospital letter came today....

Quote "Recent CT and MRI scans show no obvious abnormalities with the implants, however they report to show some atrophy of her short external rotators. The review of the MRI scans on the MARS MRI survey shows that there is some oedema around the Corail stem"

"One of the most common causes for late dislocation is implant loosening. Given her history of start up pain, thigh pain and fluid around the stem on the MARS MRI scan, I am concerned about stem loosening. I am therefore arranging for a bone scan and also some inflammatory markers to rule out an underlying infective process"

I have my radioactive isotope bone scan 2nd March and see consultant again 8th March

Any comments/advice?

Thank you
 
Hi @Annie M
Let's let @Josephine weigh in on the latest and see if she has any additional comments.
I wish you the best as you move forward.
 
"One of the most common causes for late dislocation is implant loosening. Given her history of start up pain, thigh pain and fluid around the stem on the MARS MRI scan, I am concerned about stem loosening. I am therefore arranging for a bone scan and also some inflammatory markers to rule out an underlying infective process"
Exactly what I would have expected.
 
Annie, my comment is I'm glad you got some answers, my heart aches as I know your journey isn't over. But you have to do what you need to get this fixed.
Bad things happen to good people and that's so unfortunate.
Let's see how they can get this done, OK?
Hugs :console2:
 
Thank you so much and as said my journey isn't over....I think it may just be beginning! I just feel like I am sitting on a time bomb (literally) I saw my lovely GP yesterday and I am increasing my amytryptyline a bit at night for thd neuropathic pain and for my mood as understandably I have been a bit tearful and down in the dumps

He said as did my MSK physio to carry on with the hip strengthening and I am walking more as still cannot drive due to trapeziectomy 4 weeks ago which is doing remarkably well

I also had an hours remedial massage on my lower back and gluteals yesterday from a physio which I hope will ease the muscle spasms

Bone scan 2nd March and consultant 8th March so will update again then snd fingers crossed the hip stays put!!!

Thanks again and have a good weekend x x
 
Oh goodness. Forgot about your poor hand.
Try not to get mired down in the stress, Annie.
I know, easy for me to say.
But really bad on our immune systems. The mental stuff is the worst!
Seek out some distraction. Know we are rooting for you.
 
Yes, perhaps not what you would like to hear, but seems you are the path to answers @Annie M. Hope you are able to get some rest this weekend.
 
Hopefully the adjustment of meds eases the neuropathy and helps improve your mood.
You have a lot going on....my heart goes out to you @Annie M
I hope you're noticing some relief from your massage yesterday and are able to feel more relaxed.
Prayers for your comfort and peace of mind as you continue to move forward.
 
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Hello @Annie M

I've been following your thread and can relate to the dreadful time you're having. I had repeated subluxations, but it was several years, and a second opinion (privately) with an MRI, before anyone took me seriously. The MRI showed the muscle damage caused, hence the pain and awful spasms. I'd reached the point where I thought I was a hypochondriac with an exceedingly low pain tolerance.

I'm so pleased you are starting to get some answers. And that your trapeziectomy recovery is coming along so well. Hand pain and crutches are no joke.

I wish you well on your journey. It sounds as if you have a team who are working towards the best solution for you, and support is here for you too. I hope that massage has helped. Wishing you a peaceful weekend. x
 
Thanks again and yes the massage has helped in releasing the gluteals. A bit painful for a day or so but I have been sat on my wheat bag!

Did my usual pilates class this am (with sone adjustments) and should get my wrist splint cut down tomorrow so I can start using my wrist and get hand physio and drive!!!

Thanks @helenium and I am with you on the feeling like you are a bit of a hypochondriac! I definitely know this hip is not right this time and when I think back I think it may have started a couple of years ago with "popping" noises. I trust the orthopaedic team I have now and I know they are covering everything and not rushing in to revision unless absolutely necessary

Thanks again everyone x
 
Me again with another question. I have done my regular pilates class this am (very carefully I may add) Another class member had a THR a year ago (posterior approach like me) as she is concerned about what happened to me so she spoke to her surgeon regarding swimming

For the last 4 - 5 years I have swum regularly a mixture of front crawl, backstroke and breast stroke. Her surgeon has said you can NEVER do breaststroke at all and to avoid any extreme positions eg touching toes or shell stretches

Obviously I have not done any swimming since my dislocation 7 weeks ago due to my hip and my hand but today I just got in and did a tiny amount of easy kicks on my front and back with a float and then sat in the hot tub for a while (heaven)

Again any opinions/advice welcome
 
@Annie M I was also advised to never do the breast stroke. Front crawl and backstroke were fine. As far as positioning, most surgeons advise to avoid crossing your legs and and activity that makes you cross the middle line. That was the surgeon who did my LTHR. My second surgeon didn't impose any restrictions except "if it hurts don't do it".
 
Another update as just back from seeing consultant for results of isotope bone scan. Again does not seem to show any problems with the implant but still have this collection of fluid (seroma) behind the hip. Muscle damage also evident but unsure whether that was post dislocation or there before

I know I still feel this hip does not feel the same as before the dislocation in Dec. The plan now is to discuss my case at the MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting tomorrow.

The consultant wants to examine my hip under general anaesthetic, withdraw some of the fluid to analyse it and put some radio opaque dye into the joint to see what is happening. He is not ruling out a need to revise the whole hip or maybe just the stem

On the positive side I am fully recovered from my right trapeziectomy ready for crutches if needed!

A bit more waiting I am afraid
 
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Any comments/advice......anyone had this done or heard of it?
 
@Josephine would be the one to ask, as I just tagged her for you.
I've been wondering how you were!
 

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