Question
I had a TRH replacement due to a accident and fractured the hip. I have a plate and coil wires from the repair. This was on June 6, 2007. My leg is at least 3/8 to 5/8 shorter and now wear the 3/8 lift and still waddle with my cane. My concern is that I still have a painful bone crunching feeling every time I get up or bend forward. My doctor tells me this will heal but I now wonder if this is true? Can you give me your opinon pleae.  I had a TLR replacement and it was magic for me.

Answer
Hi Candice

First of all, congratulations on your replacement surgery.  I also have about a half inch leg length discrepancy in my legs and wear a lift too.  I say for all the relief we get with the THR, a little lift in a shoe is  a small price to pay.

Since I am not a doctor, I really can't answer your question.  I am sure your doctor is telling you the truth, but if you are concerned, you might want to get a second opinion.  I have had four revisions on each hip for a total of eight THR's and I have had problems like the one you are talking about in the past, and eventually the pain does go away as long as it is muscular in origination.

If your X-rays show that the prosthesis is in place and functioning well, the pain may be from the muscles or tendons.  Sometimes pain in those areas can feel like it is in the bone.  

Ask your doctor how long he feels it will take before the healing is complete.  Ask if physical therapy will help.  Sometimes water exercise or pool walking helps with pain too so you might want to try that type of exercise.

I wish I could be of more help, but as I said, I am not a doctor.

Sharon Davis