Question
I had my left hip resurfaced on May 29th 2008-I was a pro cyclist retired at 40 (hip op when 52yrs)-maintained good fitness etc- recovery was slow because the joint was stiff so i had hydrotheripy maybe expectations were too high.I have more mobiltity now but not like i used to be.My other hip needs doing but leaving it until i can get my head sorted to be grounded again.!!!!
The problem i have is a sort of clicking somewhere inside me-not really at the hip point more central and deep-it feels like something catching-i can swim bike etc with no pain -i have no pain from the new hip but it still feels a bit tight when i lift the knee high and it seems to be slightly restricted but no pain at all just feel clicking and hear it which is odd?  The cut is very long 12" because the surgeon who is a top guy in his field had a problem getting the large cup in so i had alot of the glutes  cut.Is their another sort of op i can have next time that may cause less intrusion?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Deb

If you are active, I would suggest staying with a larger cup, but your doctor really should answer that for sure, as he would be the one who has the most knowledge.  It's my belief that the smaller cups do not leave as much of a margin for error in case you forget your restrictions.  But again, I am not a doctor, but please get your doctor's input on that.

The clicking may be a tendon or muscle slipping over the prosthesis.  I had this happen to me and it worried me terribly.  If that is what is happening to you, don't concern yourself about it and eventually it will lessen in time.

When you hear the clicking, just make sure you are not putting your hip in a position that could lead to dislocation.  Be very careful about that.  Specifically because you mention that you lift your knee high.  Never go over your 90 degree restriction.

You may want to ask your doctor if he can go in from the front of your hip as opposed to the side entry as you had with this hip.  I don't know if he can do it that way, but I have heard that entering from the front for surgery is an easier recovery.

Ask your doctor all the above quesions, and it might also be worth your while to get a second opinion.

Sharon