Labral repair/debridement surgery...now what?

[Emilyonice]

I underwent hip arthroscopic surgery 6 weeks ago to repair a labral tear, which existed for g-d knows how long during the 5 or so years I was experiencing evolving, irregular hip sensations. Before the surgery, for about a year I couldn't sit down properly, or bend at the waist, really. I used to play ice hockey seriously. Here I am after undergoing the surgery 1.5 months ago and I'm not sure I feel a difference; I still have pain when I'm sitting, in the anterior groin and at the side of my hip, and lots of tightness and pulling where my underwear sits. (I'll end the list of symptoms there.) My iloapsoas was also extremely inflammed, perhaps chronically so, and the surgeon considered releasing it during the surgery but didn't. Is it normal to experience little to no change after the surgery? How long do I wait before I panic? (I'm already panicking...)

I just want my life back, It's totally lost on me right now....if you can, please help me.

[ldyhrly]

I have had the same since 2003. I have just had my 3rd hip arthroscopy. My Labrum keeps tearing. My MD I found in NOV. says I have the FAI also...the impingement. I had a "growth" on the femur causing the Labrum to tear.

I do not have CONSTANT sharp pain now. I do ache constantly though. I can't sit to well.
I have lost my house, INS, Harley and my life because of this!!
I was just told that if this does not work this time, we may need a 4th. Not total hip cuz I am 33, but a ?resufacing and new socket. (Why did they not just do that in the first place??)

LISA

[Emilyonice]

Lisa -

How did your doctor find out you had FAI? A standard arthrogram/MRI? How long did it take for someone to discover that for you?

My chiropractor suggested it but my MRI showed no bone irregularities.

Does it get to the point where one has no faith in medicine? I am perhaps at that point...

[Surfchick]

Hi both

PLEASE see my posts on acetabular labrum tear forum.

There is a cause for a labral tear - either traumatic in which you have had an injury and in that case you should be put right from repair/debridement under arthroscopy.

Or - there is something causing the labrum to tear - such as FAI - an irregular shaped bone pinching/rubbing on the labrum - if this cause isn't addressed then it will keep re tearing. Usually needs some bone shaving or osteophyte removing etc.

So many surgeons perfrom arthroscopy but aren't that competent. Marc Philipon in Vail, Colarado is the world lead on this procedure - wish I had the money to see him!

The MR arthrogram is the best imaging test - but again this has to be done right with specific views and interpreted by a competent radiologist. They can miss the cause of the labral tear.

If I can be of more help - email me!

croydesurfchick@yahoo.co.uk

Surfchick:)

[UK Surfer]

Hey there Emily on ice

Sorry to hear your unfortunate news.

I saw a Richard Villar, who operates out of London and Cambridge, UK. He performed arthroscopic surgery on me. I am in a similar position to you.

Be good if you could read/add to a new thread for 'our status', "Feedback on SURGICALLY ?REPAIRED? ACETABULUM LABRUMS".

Good luck

Benn

[jodieh]

Hello
I seem to be in the same position as you both! I had arthroscopy on left hip five weeks ago, for a hip that had been intensly painful for over a year, and assumed that this surgery would solve the problem. 5 weeks on and I'm no better off though, I saw my surgeon today who said it can take up to six months to feel full benefit and that I should bear this in mind! I, like you, am questioning whether I will ever have any benefit from this surgery, and if not, there must be an explaination as to why my hip is still painful? Another cause for a tear is dysplasia, which I had as a baby and was treated for but left me with an undercoverage of my femoral head, although dysplasia can go undiagnosed until adulthood - my surgeon doesn't think this is the cause of my tear though, although my previous consultant did!! I am losing faith in medicne too ....