FAI surgery, take 2... Open surgery

[10debs10]

Hi all,

I posted less than a year ago, but since then I have had surgery and it recently failed It's discouraging, so I thought I'd come on here for some of your moral support! This board is so informative!

My story is as follows... I'm 27, live in the US, Philadelphia, PA. I played competitve sports through college. I was a softball player, so I was not shocked to find that superstar baseball players like Alex Rodriguez have this injury.

My doctor went with sort of a hybrid procedure... More invasive than arthroscopy, but not quite the "open" procedure. He cut in like the open, but he only shaved bone and reattached the labrum. He did not cut the bone, fully dislocate, nor use screws to put it back together. The idea was that he would have more access than arthroscopically, so more of a chance for success.. But, by not doing the open procedure, he was making my rehab and recovery go smoother.

I had the surgery in August, and it went incredibly well. I have felt like a whole new person lately. I was soo happy!!! then, last week... walking down the street, it's like everything just fell apart. Clicking, popping, and pain are all back and I am back to the same spot I was pre-op.

I have an appointment with him in Feb. but I'm pretty certain the next move will be to have open surgery... While this board has been so informative, I do welcome any new information, stories, suggestions, etc. about facing this surgery.

You guys are great!

[artywiz]

Hi there

Your surgery sounds very similar to what I had last May, I too feel like I am pre-op again! Soooo de-moralising especially now the sleep is being disturbed again. My appointment to see the cons is in MArch so we'll have to compare notes ! lol. In the mean time I'm doing really well at being miserable and fed up!

I am still having physio and pinning my hopes on them 'curing' me!

Can't give you info on the bigger surgery but there are a few on here that are amind of info and I'm sure will be along to reassure you.

[oscarsmum]

Hang in there both of you, its common for surgeons to try the less invasive method first, but if you are still having problems and there are underlying issues that havent been dealt with then the open is a doable surgery (acording to others, I had the PAO so cant really help regarding the open) and you will get there in the end.
Good luck with both of your appointments and let us know what they recommend.
Kate

[Janet]

I had open FAI surgery in November 2008, and it went well. It is a long recovery, but very do-able. I can't really reap all of the benefits yet, as I had to then have a PAO on the same hip about 10 weeks ago, but that was for a different problem (shallow socket).

If you click on my name it should come up with my previous posts, as I've posted a lot about how the recovery went. Mind you, bear in mind that the problems I had were becasue I needed the PAO, so don't be put off!

[10debs10]

Thanks all for your replies.

Janet, it's encouraging to hear about an open surgery that has succeeded... So often people post when they have complications, but when things go well they forget about these boards... which is probably a good thing - wouldn't it be great to be problem free and off living life!?? I am not discouraged at all by a long recovery. I know I can, and will, do all the necessary resting and then rehab. I'm more discouraged by the possibilities of the surgery not working...

Artywiz - let me know how your appointments go in March, and I'll do the same. I see the doc on 2/10.

Oscarsmum - you sure have been busy on these forums! Thanks so much for taking the time and posting as often as you do. I've read much of what you've written and you've been very helpful to me, and I'm sure to others as well.

-Debbie

[Rayray]

Debbie,

I had Open Surgery for FAI last May. This surgery has been a total success. It was a tough few weeks after the surgery but the pain was manageable and I was certainly in much more pain pre surgery. I took a while to get over the surgery but I am in the oldest 10% of patients and was told that my recovery would be slower than people in their teens and twenties. I have a few residual issues but mostly this is down to my back and not my hip. Just had the screws out and this has already made the world of difference to my hip pain.

My thread has loads of info on it. Ignore the moans and groans - these are mostly back related. If you have any more questions do ask.

[10debs10]

Hi Rayray,

It's very helpful to hear that you've had successful open surgery! it's a weight off my shoulders hearing that anyone has had successful surgery... It's all too easy to get caught up in the stories with lingering problems. Now I won't go into this dreading the probably of a poor outcome! Thanks for sharing your story. Sorry to hear that you're still having some issues with your back.

Do you know if it's common procedure to leave the screws in forever, or if most people end up having them removed? It doesn't matter to me either way.. I just want this pain gone! (As I'm sure you can relate)

[Rayray]

Hi Debbie,

With regard to the screws between 5 and 20% of people need them removed. I was determined not to have them removed UNTIL I started to get really nasty groin pain and sharp pain down my leg when I walked. This totally stopped my recovery in its tracks so I had no option. The surgeon found that all three screws were 'proud' of the bone with one 'very proud' which was a clear reason for the pain. Hopefully you will be okay and once the FAI surgery is done that is the end of surgery for you.