Revision THR Right Hip Revision February 26, 2025

[ekf]

Hi
Could someone help please,
So I’m now post op for revision hip however my surgery was delayed from Jan to Feb and I’m two weeks post op. I can’t seem to access any post op pages - can someone advise how I get access for post op recovery for hip revision pages? I’m especially interested to learn from anyone with leg length discrepancy as my leg is at least two inches longer now post op

Thankyou!
Jacqui

 

[Layla]

Hi Jacqui,
Nice to hear from you! I hope you're doing well and wish you the best as you begin healing.
Please give us the February date of your revision and we will edit your signature for you.

I will leave the Hip Recovery Guidelines below -


HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES
(Administrative Note: For those reading here, please be aware that these links are a premium service and only available to Insiders Club Members).

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

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
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
The recovery articles
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?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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.

 

[ekf]

Hi my revision was 26th Feb 2025
Can I check what does it mean when I read signature. Also I’m keen to learn more about leg length discrepancy, I’ve had it many years ago post thr which settled over months but this time it’s at least 2 inch discrepancy with my revision inc bone graft so I’m more concerned

 

[Layla]

Thank you so much for supporting the community by becoming an Insider!

Your signature is noted at the bottom of each post. It reflects the dates of surgeries / procedures and identifies right or left side. If you take a peek, you'll notice we all have a signature.

As far as Leg Length Differential goes, you're not alone, many feel this sensation post op. In most cases it eases with time. We advise giving it 3-4 months as it can take that amount of time for things to balance. If at that point, you are still concerned we suggest you visit a reputable podiatrist or PT for a measurement.
Here's an article from our Library Leg length differential - LLD.
After surgery your muscles and. tissues are still adjusting. Some of the discrepancy may improve naturally as the swelling decreases and your body adjusts to the prosthetic and rebalances. if the difference persists a shoe lift can help even things out reducing strain on your hips, back and knees.
I hope you're able to remain patient giving it more time.
Best Wishes!

 

[myglasshalffull]

Welcome & many of us deal with longer or shorter leg after surgery. Mine was shorter & did resolve itself after a few months.
Maybe you will need an insert in your shoe for awhile but definitely discuss with OS cause they are the experts & can lead you in right direction.
I didn't use any inserts in my shoes, I started wearing OOFOS recovery slides & they really helped me overall around the house.
There are so many good products out there you can research & see what works best for your situation.

 

[benne68]

interested to learn from anyone with leg length discrepancy as my leg is at least two inches longer now post op

I dealt with this after my hip replacement -- it can be quite disconcerting! But, as Layla noted above, it really did go away over time.

In my case, it took about six months to feel "normal" again, but I think that's because I had delayed the hip replacement for so long that my hips were badly out of alignment. During the early months of recovery, I concentrated on proper gait and eventually, it all evened out.

Let us know if you have other concerns or questions. We are here to help!

 

[Eman85]

2" is a very large amount of difference between legs, how was that measurement determined? It sounds like you are familiar with the sensation that many of us have post-op that corrects itself but 2" is more than a sensation.

 

[ekf]

Hi
Yes it is a lot. Previous replacement had about 2cm. Difference that sorted itself out over months but this is different… post op follow up in a few weeks so will discuss there. In the mean time I’m not walking too much due to lower back muscle spasm/pain and what feels like l5 sciatica

 

[ekf]

Thanks and yes early days
Just seems a LOT compared to what I’ve experienced previously and now not walking much due to lower back issues
Resting more and also seem people for coffee etc which has helped me feel better

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
I am sorry you're struggling with lower back issues. Hopefully you're able to talk to your surgeon or primary care physician about this. I wish you comfort and speedy relief.
It is encouraging to read you're meeting friends for coffee. Friends can be such great emotional support, reducing our stress, lifting our spirits and keeping us in the loop socially. Enjoy those special times!
@ekf

 

[ekf]

Thanks feeling a lot better now for it and getting out for walks daily
Had 6 week surgeon meeting - unfortunately leg length discrepancy of an inch on revised hip is confirmed due to placement of revised hip new replacwmt /screw so a built up show on opposite leg, walking cane and onto to fet on with it seems to be the key message

 

[Deni444]

Must be a bit disappointing to have a leg length discrepancy but hopefully getting a good, well fitted shoe lift will sort it out. Like anything, the adaptation will feel strange at first but transition to normal with time. Hope it goes well!

 

[Layla]

Hi ekf,
Since your only 6-7 weeks post op, you may still be dealing with some tight or weak muscles, which may still loosen and realign reducing the LLD. As your body slowly rebalances hopefully this improves. If not, I am sure you will adapt overtime with the shoe lift. Please keep us posted and have a wonderful weekend!
@ekf