Question
My mother had hip replacement surgery 3 years ago. Since then, she has fallen many times and continues to "get off balance".  She is a very slender woman.  Is there a chance that the new hip is "too heavy" and pulling her off balance?  Or not placed properly?  A neurological exam was done, but came back fine.  Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.  We are at our wits end.

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatric Orthopedist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Pauline,
Following these surgeries there is some loss of muscle tone in the operated hip-and this may need some physical therapy or rehab.The new hip cannot be too heavy-but can cause issues if not placed right in the bone. This can be evaluated by an x-ray and her orthopedist should have told her if that was the case.
See if she can lift up the foot of the foot of the hip she was not operated on-if the strength is not the same as the other side-think exercises.
If her hips seem off-one higher than the other-seek a second orthopedic opinion.
As we age we lose sense of balance-unless we are doing balance exercises daily.
Ask for a balance evaluation-Then physical therapy may be prescribed if indicated.
Hope This Helps!
Good Luck!

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