Question
Hi Sharon,
I had my first THR in 1980 and have had 6 thr's in total.Mostly they have been very successful, unfortunately in Sept 06 I had a fall and the right femoral shaft snapped. They managed to do another replacement but left the acetabulum alone. For three months i was non weight bearing and pain free. Since becoming weight bearing I have had a lot of pain. Strangely it is not consistent, I can have days virtually pain free and others that are only pain free if I sit still and hardly move. The consultants have suggested nerve damage and suggest operating on my spine. I'm not keen. The strange thing is that the pain never comes whilst I'm being active only several hours or even a day later. Other suggestions have been a bone infection but now I'm very confused. I can't explain or understand the symptoms, you would think after six replacements including a DVT and pulmonary embolism I would be an expert but this time I feel lost. The pain is mostly around and above the knee and I am having to take 150mg. diclofenac daily.
Any suggestions at all gratefully received

Answer
Dear Bill

First of all, let me say I am so sorry for all the pain you are going through.  It sounds terrible.

I have several things for you to look at.

1. Have you had your legs measured to ensure they are are the same length?  If one of your legs is shorter than the other, that will cause pain in the hip and knee area due to an uneven gait.

2. I would not entertain the idea of spinal surgery unless absolutely necessary.

3. Check into possible nerve damage.  I have had 8 THR's in total and have suffered nerve damage in one leg.  It is more of a tingling sensation but I do have it.  Some days it hurts more than others.

4. Are you doing too much?  You can have residual pain if you are overdoing things during the day.

5. I would think that if you have a bone infection, that could be ascertained with some diagnostic tools.  Look into that possiblilty.

Hope these suggestions give you some food for thought, and keep looking for answers.

Sharon Davis