Hip impingement surgery questions
Discussion
Morning All. In September I’ll be having a labrum tear repaired and minor shaving to both the hip and femur. It should be done as keyhole.
I’ve been burnt by false promises of recovery expectations by doctors in the past, so I’m seeking real-world experiences, please.
My main point of concern is the immediate 4 weeks I’ve been told I won’t be allowed to bend my hip past 90° to protect the stitching. I have a family that will still require ferrying about to school, sports clubs etc. and Mrs SM’s job doesn’t really give respite to assist. It also sounds like I won’t even be able to put on socks and shoes!
Can I really expect to not dress or drive? Any experiences gratefully received
I’ve been burnt by false promises of recovery expectations by doctors in the past, so I’m seeking real-world experiences, please.
My main point of concern is the immediate 4 weeks I’ve been told I won’t be allowed to bend my hip past 90° to protect the stitching. I have a family that will still require ferrying about to school, sports clubs etc. and Mrs SM’s job doesn’t really give respite to assist. It also sounds like I won’t even be able to put on socks and shoes!
Can I really expect to not dress or drive? Any experiences gratefully received
I had exactly the same operation in 2014.
I was walking (short distances) within 3 days, driving again after 2 weeks and probably about 6 weeks getting back to light exercise. That was the guidance back then, but was 12 years ago. My op was at the Nuffield Orthopaedic in Oxford.
I’d follow everything you are advised to the letter, as you say you need to rest up to let it initially heal. I do still get a bit of hip pain from it now, but I reckon that is scar tissue build up that wasn’t treated. Just because it is keyhole surgery doesn't mean it is a small procedure, it is actually quite invasive.
I needed a lot of physio, had to do a lot of strength/stretching plus work to strengthen my core, which is something I still do now.
Good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery.
I was walking (short distances) within 3 days, driving again after 2 weeks and probably about 6 weeks getting back to light exercise. That was the guidance back then, but was 12 years ago. My op was at the Nuffield Orthopaedic in Oxford.
I’d follow everything you are advised to the letter, as you say you need to rest up to let it initially heal. I do still get a bit of hip pain from it now, but I reckon that is scar tissue build up that wasn’t treated. Just because it is keyhole surgery doesn't mean it is a small procedure, it is actually quite invasive.
I needed a lot of physio, had to do a lot of strength/stretching plus work to strengthen my core, which is something I still do now.
Good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery.
Edited by Clio200pat on Sunday 31st May 17:25
Thanks Clio! That’s very helpful. They hadn’t mentioned driving, so good to know I may need 2 weeks of cover.
I forgot to ask about exercise. I currently swim and run competitively (or was!), but I’m concerns running won’t be an option again, at least not for a minimum of 6 months.
One surgeon mentioned cycling, but to my mind thats repeated cyclic motion. While low impact, won’t that antagonise a healing/scarred region, or will it just depend on whether I’m lucky/hard-working on physio?
I forgot to ask about exercise. I currently swim and run competitively (or was!), but I’m concerns running won’t be an option again, at least not for a minimum of 6 months.
One surgeon mentioned cycling, but to my mind thats repeated cyclic motion. While low impact, won’t that antagonise a healing/scarred region, or will it just depend on whether I’m lucky/hard-working on physio?
Hi Chris. Mine presented as a sharp pain shortly after rising from a seated position that rendered me unable to walk properly for ~3 days (as in near-zero weight could be borne) before settling into something sore, but manageable. I'm guessing the sharp pain was when the labrum tore, whether through wear or a catastrophic pinch, I'm unsure.
The soreness never receded and was pattern-ably antagonised by different activities and ranges of motion.
Physio couldn't initially diagnose (the hip is a complex bundle of items!), so sent for x-ray and then MRI to establish damage. An attempted at a steroid injection brought no relief (made it worse, in fact!), and to avoid risk of infection I've now had to wait until 6 months after the injection. (Grr.)
As an aside, I've been monitoring which activities take my hip lower than a 90° angle. Quick question...how does one wash feet/put on socks/lower oneself onto the...erm...throne?!
The soreness never receded and was pattern-ably antagonised by different activities and ranges of motion.
Physio couldn't initially diagnose (the hip is a complex bundle of items!), so sent for x-ray and then MRI to establish damage. An attempted at a steroid injection brought no relief (made it worse, in fact!), and to avoid risk of infection I've now had to wait until 6 months after the injection. (Grr.)
As an aside, I've been monitoring which activities take my hip lower than a 90° angle. Quick question...how does one wash feet/put on socks/lower oneself onto the...erm...throne?!
Still Mulling said:
As an aside, I've been monitoring which activities take my hip lower than a 90° angle. Quick question...how does one wash feet/put on socks/lower oneself onto the...erm...throne?!
Short answer is that you won’t be able to. I had a hip replacement last May and had all the same restrictions, you’re going to need someone to put your socks on for you or master a shoe horn and grabber to do it.
You’re also going to need a raised toilet seat.
You’ll need to cover the dressing when you shower too as they don’t like getting too wet. I used cling film wrapped around me.
All good fun
I had the same procedure on both hips, consecutively obviously, in 2009.
By the time I had the procedure done I was in pretty serious pain, and I recall in the latter stages getting up in the middle of the night and my hips feeling barely able to support me.
I was lucky that I ended up with the consultant I did, as he was back from developing his skills in the US. If not him then I would most likely ended up with 2 new hips at the grand old age of 40. Still no problems to this day.
The recovery I don't recall being particularly inconvenient and is in line with the comments above.
By the time I had the procedure done I was in pretty serious pain, and I recall in the latter stages getting up in the middle of the night and my hips feeling barely able to support me.
I was lucky that I ended up with the consultant I did, as he was back from developing his skills in the US. If not him then I would most likely ended up with 2 new hips at the grand old age of 40. Still no problems to this day.
The recovery I don't recall being particularly inconvenient and is in line with the comments above.
Double Fault said:
I had the same procedure on both hips, consecutively obviously, in 2009.
By the time I had the procedure done I was in pretty serious pain, and I recall in the latter stages getting up in the middle of the night and my hips feeling barely able to support me.
I was lucky that I ended up with the consultant I did, as he was back from developing his skills in the US. If not him then I would most likely ended up with 2 new hips at the grand old age of 40. Still no problems to this day.
The recovery I don't recall being particularly inconvenient and is in line with the comments above.
A well timed bit or perspective, thank you: 4 weeks of inconvenience/ignominy for 17 years of being pain-free. By the time I had the procedure done I was in pretty serious pain, and I recall in the latter stages getting up in the middle of the night and my hips feeling barely able to support me.
I was lucky that I ended up with the consultant I did, as he was back from developing his skills in the US. If not him then I would most likely ended up with 2 new hips at the grand old age of 40. Still no problems to this day.
The recovery I don't recall being particularly inconvenient and is in line with the comments above.
z4RRSchris said:
my pain slowly gets worse over the day, till it eventually falls off a cliff and is 10/10 pain standing.
standing around makes it worse. Ive had 2 x MRI and 2 x injections. The surgeon doesnt seem that great.
the MRI confirmed Labrum tears
maybe i need a new surgeon and the Op.
I'm inclined to agree. The injections either work or they don't, from what I've read - my lot discouraged me from a second injection when the first hadn't worked and sent me straight to the surgeon.standing around makes it worse. Ive had 2 x MRI and 2 x injections. The surgeon doesnt seem that great.
the MRI confirmed Labrum tears
maybe i need a new surgeon and the Op.
Still Mulling said:
For 4 weeks?! Oh, bloomin' 'eck! You ain't half putting me off! Maybe I can live with the pain... 
My hip was toast due to osteoarthritis as a result of a previous break so had to have it done at 43 yrs old, not really what you expect or want but I was in agony, could barely walk some days, stopped all physical activity etc. A few weeks of restrictions has to be worth it.
Matt_N said:
My hip was toast due to osteoarthritis as a result of a previous break so had to have it done at 43 yrs old, not really what you expect or want but I was in agony, could barely walk some days, stopped all physical activity etc.
A few weeks of restrictions has to be worth it.
You are right. I’m just nervous of the burden it’ll put onto my wife and the risk of post-surgical neuropathic pain (which I already have from kidney surgery 20 years ago).A few weeks of restrictions has to be worth it.
Still Mulling said:
Thanks Clio! That s very helpful. They hadn t mentioned driving, so good to know I may need 2 weeks of cover.
I forgot to ask about exercise. I currently swim and run competitively (or was!), but I m concerns running won t be an option again, at least not for a minimum of 6 months.
One surgeon mentioned cycling, but to my mind thats repeated cyclic motion. While low impact, won t that antagonise a healing/scarred region, or will it just depend on whether I m lucky/hard-working on physio?
After my op (6 weeks) I was able to start swimming which was a massive help in my rehabilitation and the first real exercise I did. Half an hour a day, doing lengths kicking with a float.I forgot to ask about exercise. I currently swim and run competitively (or was!), but I m concerns running won t be an option again, at least not for a minimum of 6 months.
One surgeon mentioned cycling, but to my mind thats repeated cyclic motion. While low impact, won t that antagonise a healing/scarred region, or will it just depend on whether I m lucky/hard-working on physio?
I was a runner, I have run since but it really makes the hip flare up afterwards and certainly never to the same level I was at. I was also a cyclist and still am! I’d say it’s still a little bit uncomfortable whilst riding the bike but certainly nothing like the pain I got from running. If you do try cycling you may want to fit shorter cranks as it takes the pressure of the hip a bit. As said previously, I wish I’d concentrated on the scar tissue as I’m pretty sure all the discomfort (though small) is due to that not being treated in the beginning.
With regards to driving, yes it was my left leg and at the time I did have a manual. Though I’d ask them specifically about driving as there may be other reasons for not being able to do so.
Thanks Clio. Really encouraging to read swimming within 6!
I’m a competitive person (with myself) and need exercise goals in my life. If I can’t get back to running I may focus on open water swimming, as that removes turns and thus deep squat movements.
Also good to know ref. cycling. I’ll never be a road rider, but having a leg movement to balance the arm/torso- dominant swimming would be good. Zwift/outside country paths would suit me fine.
I’m a competitive person (with myself) and need exercise goals in my life. If I can’t get back to running I may focus on open water swimming, as that removes turns and thus deep squat movements.
Also good to know ref. cycling. I’ll never be a road rider, but having a leg movement to balance the arm/torso- dominant swimming would be good. Zwift/outside country paths would suit me fine.
OK, a couple of more thoughts have sprung to mind/up the list overnight:
- Stairs: immediately negotiable, or not for a period of time?
- Crutch(es) required?
- Return to work: I can work from home, a desk-based job. I have a standing desk. I'd get back out on the road once driving is permitted, perhaps keeping distances to under one hour for first three months. How long until others have gone back to this type of work? I'm conscious that while I may be physically able to sit and stand at a desk for 8 hours, is there enough discomfort that my concentration will be off and I'd do better to rest mind and body for a few days?
- Stairs: immediately negotiable, or not for a period of time?
- Crutch(es) required?
- Return to work: I can work from home, a desk-based job. I have a standing desk. I'd get back out on the road once driving is permitted, perhaps keeping distances to under one hour for first three months. How long until others have gone back to this type of work? I'm conscious that while I may be physically able to sit and stand at a desk for 8 hours, is there enough discomfort that my concentration will be off and I'd do better to rest mind and body for a few days?
I had the same operation back in 2016 by Mr Johan Witt at ULCH.
I was off work for 6 weeks as per doctors note.
First 2 weeks I was pretty bed bound, but could get around the house, limiting use of the stairs. I think I was fully on my feet by week 4, but had a physical job and didn't feel like taking a risk with my hip so didnt go back to work until after week 6. Never needed crutches during this time.
I was told swimming was great exercise for my hip, and once I felt comfortable I was back running again, but that was after completing the prescribed physiotherapy. Unfortunately I can no longer cycle, causes me too much discomfort.
Glad I had the surgery though, much less pain though I have still have occasion twinges.
I was off work for 6 weeks as per doctors note.
First 2 weeks I was pretty bed bound, but could get around the house, limiting use of the stairs. I think I was fully on my feet by week 4, but had a physical job and didn't feel like taking a risk with my hip so didnt go back to work until after week 6. Never needed crutches during this time.
I was told swimming was great exercise for my hip, and once I felt comfortable I was back running again, but that was after completing the prescribed physiotherapy. Unfortunately I can no longer cycle, causes me too much discomfort.
Glad I had the surgery though, much less pain though I have still have occasion twinges.
I can't remember exact timeline but you'll be two crutches for a week(?) with a toe tap, then one with a light touch then one with some weight etc. tricky on the stairs so make sure you have a banister as you'll need that.
You may have to have a machine that has you on your bed for up to 6 hours a day keeping your hip moving https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x-NBZg5OMho You'll need help getting in and out of it.
Not being able to put any load on your hip, so hooking your other foot under your leg to lift it into bed and swiveling round.
Anti-coagulating drugs injected into your belly for a week I think.
Then walking for 5 mins then plus 10% each day etc.
It's a ballache but be thankful that it's fixable.
I'd work on the assumption that you'll be out of action for a few weeks and see how you get on.
Good luck with the op.
You may have to have a machine that has you on your bed for up to 6 hours a day keeping your hip moving https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x-NBZg5OMho You'll need help getting in and out of it.
Not being able to put any load on your hip, so hooking your other foot under your leg to lift it into bed and swiveling round.
Anti-coagulating drugs injected into your belly for a week I think.
Then walking for 5 mins then plus 10% each day etc.
It's a ballache but be thankful that it's fixable.
I'd work on the assumption that you'll be out of action for a few weeks and see how you get on.
Good luck with the op.
KernowSid said:
I had the same operation back in 2016 by Mr Johan Witt at ULCH.
I was off work for 6 weeks as per doctors note.
First 2 weeks I was pretty bed bound, but could get around the house, limiting use of the stairs. I think I was fully on my feet by week 4, but had a physical job and didn't feel like taking a risk with my hip so didnt go back to work until after week 6. Never needed crutches during this time.
I was told swimming was great exercise for my hip, and once I felt comfortable I was back running again, but that was after completing the prescribed physiotherapy. Unfortunately I can no longer cycle, causes me too much discomfort.
Glad I had the surgery though, much less pain though I have still have occasion twinges.
Thanks, KernowSid. Sounds like I could be back on a laptop with a week or two then.I was off work for 6 weeks as per doctors note.
First 2 weeks I was pretty bed bound, but could get around the house, limiting use of the stairs. I think I was fully on my feet by week 4, but had a physical job and didn't feel like taking a risk with my hip so didnt go back to work until after week 6. Never needed crutches during this time.
I was told swimming was great exercise for my hip, and once I felt comfortable I was back running again, but that was after completing the prescribed physiotherapy. Unfortunately I can no longer cycle, causes me too much discomfort.
Glad I had the surgery though, much less pain though I have still have occasion twinges.
Crook said:
I can't remember exact timeline but you'll be two crutches for a week(?) with a toe tap, then one with a light touch then one with some weight etc. tricky on the stairs so make sure you have a banister as you'll need that.
You may have to have a machine that has you on your bed for up to 6 hours a day keeping your hip moving https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x-NBZg5OMho You'll need help getting in and out of it.
Not being able to put any load on your hip, so hooking your other foot under your leg to lift it into bed and swiveling round.
Anti-coagulating drugs injected into your belly for a week I think.
Then walking for 5 mins then plus 10% each day etc.
It's a ballache but be thankful that it's fixable.
I'd work on the assumption that you'll be out of action for a few weeks and see how you get on.
Good luck with the op.
Thanks, Crook. Can I just check that you are referring to a keyhole sewing and filing rather than a full hip replacement? You recover sounds a lot more intense than other things I have read and my current surgical guidance.You may have to have a machine that has you on your bed for up to 6 hours a day keeping your hip moving https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x-NBZg5OMho You'll need help getting in and out of it.
Not being able to put any load on your hip, so hooking your other foot under your leg to lift it into bed and swiveling round.
Anti-coagulating drugs injected into your belly for a week I think.
Then walking for 5 mins then plus 10% each day etc.
It's a ballache but be thankful that it's fixable.
I'd work on the assumption that you'll be out of action for a few weeks and see how you get on.
Good luck with the op.
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