Bonesmart Members:

As I'm a total newbie here, I would like to utilize all of your collective experiences as a resource for knowledge. When I was looking at the FAQ area and read over many of the items listed for surgical approaches, I thought that I might pick your brains. My history has been a right THR on 11/13/09. It went very well and I've been very pleased with my recovery progress. On 1/29/10, 10 days ago, I had my left hip replaced. In both cases, the posterolateral approach was used. On the first procedure, my incision was 5 inches. On the second THR, the incision was 10 inches. As to why the incision is so much longer, I don't know. What I do know is that it seems that I'm experiencing much more pain than the first time. Guess that seems logical, but I'm still curious as to why the incision was much larger. The only concern (at least for me) was that my right leg had become 1/2" longer and I wanted to make certain that my OS was able to "even" me out with the second procedure (fortunately, it seems that he did!). Both of my new hips are Wright MOM with the new large head technology, so there was no reason from an equipment standpoint to have different incision sizes. Since I won't actually see my OS for 4 more weeks, was hoping that members might share any thoughts as to why the difference in incision lengths and reasons for that. Also, does it seem that the additional pain that I'm having is due to the increased length of the incision? Overall, I'm still doing really well, but definitely hurting more this time vs. the first time. Thanks in advance for any insight you all can share.

JackT

Jack: I had my right hip replaced Nov 30 of 09 and it has a small incision--like your first one. I will have the left hip replaced within the next few years, so your situation is something I'm going to keep in mind when that time rolls around. Also, I feel really dumb that I have no idea what kind, brand, size, or whatever about my prosthesis! I have an appt with my OS tomorrow, so I'm going to get all of that info when I see him. Thanks for raising a good question!
Patrikya

Hi Jack, I sure can't tell you why your second hip hurts more then the first. I do know that there was a big pain difference with my knees but not certain that works the same way with the hips. I would definitely agree that part of the reason for increased pain is size of the incision. That would only make sense. Maybe Jo can speculate as to why the incision is so much longer then the first.

My posterior MoM incision is 11 inches long. MY OS forewarned me it would be longer then normal as he had to remove some screws and he wasn't sure exactly how many would need to come out until he actually got in there. Luckily it was only two screws. I've got about 23 more so I don't think I will miss them. He also shortened my leg by 3/4 of an inch and it appears that I am about level after 22 years. Good luck with your recovery and keep posting!

Boy I wish I could sleep!

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Karen - right ankle will be next
LHR - Posterior, MoM cementless December 14, 2009 / Incision washout January 13, 2010
RTKR Oct 1, 2007 & MUA June 9, 2008 / LTKR June 9, 2008

Ah - you posted it! Thank you, Jack. Well, the reason the incisions are different sizes is that no two incisions are ever the same! Some days they make bigger/smaller ones than other days. He might have needed more room to manoeuvre for some reason. He'd also not be able to compare with the other side as you were lying on it at the time!

In short, I can't really say for sure why he made a bigger incision the second time around. Maybe the PA made the incision to start it off for him?

But for sure it could contribute to more pain but not inevitably. No two joint replacements are ever the same.

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Left arthroscopic menisectomy 4th October 09
RTKR 17th March 09
Right arthroscopy June 06

Please post in forums; PMs and emails for personalized help are not community oriented and will not be answered. Also search the Library and other threads for information. Thanks.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - Moderator comments on this web site are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician or surgeon.

Administrator is an orthopaedic nurse of 50+ years experience in joint replacement.

Patrikya:

Thanks for your input. It's probably normal that many THR patients trust their Doctors to choose the best prosthesis for them. With some of the newer technology coming available, that may change. If I hadn't questioned my Doctor, I would have received the more traditional metal on high x-linked poly. Instead, I ended up with a new surgeon that was trained on MOM for younger patients. If all I've researched holds true, this will prove to be a good decision. Thanks again for sharing your experience and wish you continued good healing.

Karen:

Sounds like you've really been put through the ringer on joint replacements. Although I have nothing but stories to go by, my understanding is that knees are much tougher to recover from than hips, so you've been there and done that. Looks like your hip was right in the middle of my two. Glad to hear that it sounds as though your leg length difference is resolved. Good luck with the rehab and I'm sure things will be really great going forward after all the healing is done.

JackT