What Causes Pain In Upper Thigh After Hip Replacement?

Posted on Fri, 5 Dec 2014

Question: Your opinion please! Dr. #1 originally said I did not need a hip replacement of the left hip. The following week I started having pain in the upper thigh outside and the beginning of what I call the crotch area. I can not lift the left leg high enough to go up steps in a regular way without the pain shooting down to middle thigh. Doctor #1 then decided I should have the hip replaced. I previously had him replace my right hip four years ago but the pain was in the lower groin and back. Doctor #2 treated me for bursitis with cortisone injection. This helped some but I still can't climb stairs normally and the pain "grabs me" sometimes if I turn too fast.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Xray picture of hip is very helpful,please send it

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. We replace the hip only in cases of arthritis that is after the loss of protective cartilage at bone end along with restriction of hip movement in all directions. This can easily be seen on X-ray picture, so I would request you to please send the X-ray picture of hip in the follow up query.
Going by the short duration of symptoms it could be muscle stiffness/spasm of the crotch area. For this I recommend hot water fomentation along with Ibuprofen and muscle relaxant drug Thiocolchicoside.
To help you better, please tell me the possible movement at left hip as compare to right hip?
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (43 hours later)

x-rays indicate there is adequate cartilage and I have good hip movement in all directions most of the time. Family doctor has seen me today and recommends follow-up physical therapy as did doctor #2. I can not take NSAIDS due to predisposition to duodental ulcers for which I take Nexium. If needed I will follow thru with your recomendation of Thiocolchicoside. Thanks for your help.

Sincerely, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I do not think you need hip replacement

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you.
I have gone through your reply carefully and happy to hear that cartilage is there at hip joint.You may follow the treatment as discussed earlier.
Get well soon.
God bless you.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar