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What Causes Shortened Left Leg And Ball-and-socket Joint Friction After Hip Replacement?
Question: Hi, I had 2 hip replacements 5 years apart. First the right than the left in about 10 years ago. Soon after recovery the hip would feel that it was shifting or knocking against the socket - as though there was a spacing between the ball and socket. The left leg also shortened over the years by about 2 cm's. What are my risks?
Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy can help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a hip replacement there can be a discrepancy in the leg length according to the prosthesis that is fitted or the amount of bone that is removed. Usually using a shoe insert and regular physiotherapy helps in preventing the muscle fatigue associated with it.
If the discrepancy is more than 2 cm then a repeat surgery may be needed to correct the discrepancy.
This does not affect how long the hip replacement will last. An X-ray of the hip will help in detecting if there is any extra space between ball and socket.
Regular physiotherapy can help in maintaining the muscle strength and delay the corrective surgery.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Physiotherapy can help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a hip replacement there can be a discrepancy in the leg length according to the prosthesis that is fitted or the amount of bone that is removed. Usually using a shoe insert and regular physiotherapy helps in preventing the muscle fatigue associated with it.
If the discrepancy is more than 2 cm then a repeat surgery may be needed to correct the discrepancy.
This does not affect how long the hip replacement will last. An X-ray of the hip will help in detecting if there is any extra space between ball and socket.
Regular physiotherapy can help in maintaining the muscle strength and delay the corrective surgery.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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