Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/13/2008

Question
Hello,  I have a question concerning my second hip replacement.  The first operation done in 08/07 was a poor fit with extra cement causing pinching, etc from an incompetent surgeon.  i recently had a second replacemnt done on the same hip to correct this and now i am having other problems.  my hip squeaks like the tin man and the surgeon said that fluid is not building up in the replacemnt like it should.  what is this called and can you tell me more about this, and how long i should wait until something is done again.  i have had bad luck with my hip replacements and am feeling very discouraged.  i am only 48 years old and feel 80.  please help

Answer
Thanks For the question Terry, Our bodies produce a fluid around each our joints called synovial fluid. It is our bodies way of providing a lubricant for the joints not only to help the joint operate smoothly, but also provides some nourishment as well.

Once a joint is replaced,Our body now has now lost its ability to produce the fluid at the joint as the material that is there now of course cannot produce it. Fluid however called cellular fluid can be produced around the joint to bathe the other tissues and to provide nourishment to feed the muscles etc... around it.

I have not heard of this before to be honest. It could also have something to do with the fit of the prosthesis that was installed.Only the surgeon knows for sure. This being your second replacement there is always some further damage or loss of structure around the joint that could be adding to this problem.

Not knowing for sure exactly when you had this last replacement it may be to early to get discouraged yet. it will as you know take awhile to heal properly and you my find that the noise problem as it begins to wear a little quiet down.

It will take about one years time for any type of replacement to heal properly, in the mean time you may feel a number of things that are concerning to patients that are not aware of the time factor.

I would not get frustrated yet terry. As long as you are not experiencing pain, severe tightness or muscle spasms you should be fine in time. There  is really no way to get the body to produce more fluid in a specific area.

Give it more time for the body and new joint to re-adjust itself and continue to strengthen the area. With this combination you should see improvement. The only way this problem would continue over the long haul is if the surgeon just could not get things to align properly during the surgery. If that was the case you would have other problems as well.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.
www.totaljointfitness.com