A couple of questions regarding Cam Impingement & Labral Tear Surgery.

[Vixen]

Tell us your story Joey, what did you have done and how did it go ?

[farmgirl]

Hi Joey, How did your surgery go? I am glad you hear you are happy with John. I faxed in a bunch of questions and Gayle called back to answer them. I really like Gayle but I was looking to discuss things with John not his secretary. I am wondering if it is just me...maybe I have been black listed. I am frustrated to say the least. Let us know how your recovery goes. Cheers, Anja

[ACofSydney]

Hi Anja,

Thanks for the links you have provided - both practices are within my local areas, so would be great to go to.

I tried calling my original dr at St Leonards today to see if he would see me to answer some questions but his secretary said he wouldn't as he isn't doing the surgery, so I will be calling JO's office tomorrow to see whether they have an email address I can send my questions to. Otherwise, I would be interested if you get a response from your fax.

I really just need to know how long I need to take off work as I have only been in my position for 6 months and while I know it won't be an issue, I really would like a timeframe to give as an indication.

Once again, thanks for your help.
Alesha

[Vixen]

I was unable to work in an effective manner for 4 weeks.
Sitting down at a desk is not a good post op rehab program let me tell you.

[Joeyjoe]

Tell us your story Joey, what did you have done and how did it go ?

Hi Vixen,

Here is my story...

-34 yr old Sydney-based male.
-History of limited motion in right hip but no real pain (i.e. could not bring my right knee to my chest like I could on the left side for as long as I can remember).
-Volleyball injury in Nov 2008. Hit the floor hard smack on the side of the right hip. Felt immediate pinch but it settled down and I returned to my sports a week later (incl floorball and basketball).
-Joint pain started in Jan 2009 - mostly just during sports but also a bit during normal activity.
-Saw sports physician who suspected FAI and torn labrum, went for MRI and Xray which confirmed it.
-Saw Sydney hip surgeon who did not like what he saw. Gave me "30% chance of no improvement" and thought I would need a THR in a year if I didn't do anything (Yikes! It didn't feel that bad!!).
-2nd opinion required of course > Googled my way to John O'Donnell. Went to Melb for consult in April. John said he could do much better than 1st opinion so my decision was made.
-Surgery performed by John May 18th (now 15 days post-op).

Post-Op
-Overnight in hospital.
-Another night in hotel before flying back to Sydney.
-Used crutches for about a week but was walking slowly around the house after 2 days.
-Stopped painkillers after 3 days (didn't seem to need them and didn't want to mask anything for physio).
-1st physio 4 days post-op.
-Returned to my office job 9 days post-op.
-Have now had 4 physio sessions at 15 days post-op and plan to go twice a week for a while.

John had to shave the FAI, remove/repair damaged tissue and treat the socket with microfracture to develop new cartilage. I spoke to him from home 6 days post-op because I was pretty groggy when he saw me after the op. He told me all went well.

My only regret so far is that I should have either delayed returning to work by a few days or used the crutches when I did return last week. The small amount of walking that I did in the CBD seems to have caused my hip flexor and thigh to flare up, although I think the hip flexor probs are mainly due to sitting at a desk all day. Like you said Vixen, sitting at a desk is not good post-op rehab!

I seem to be in good hands with my physio. He is a former Canterbury Bulldogs trainer who has had a hip scope himself. He was able to release my hip flexor last night and has given me some great exercises. He told me the 3 most important muscles to build up are the glutes, glutes AND glutes! I can already feel the strength improving and like others have said, you have to keep with the rehab program. Things will flare up and then settle upon rest but you have to keep pushing yourself. The sitting is the worst.

I'm only 2 weeks post-op so I know it will take a while. John told me not to expect to feel back to normal until at least 3 months down the track. My short-term goal however is to participate in our Canada vs. the World floorball match on Canada Day - July 1st (yes I'm an expat Canuck). That will be 6 weeks post-op. Hopefully I can at least contribute limited defense duties. If not, I'll just keep score and have a beer with the guys afterwards

Joe

[Vixen]

Thanks Joe,

Not unlike my story.

Hope you recover well I am not sure about 3 months though, I am nearly nine and a long way from normal but recovery depends so much on what damage you had.

[Joeyjoe]

Thanks Vixen. You sound like you are staying very positive.

I certainly hope it won't take 9 months. What did John tell you?

[Vixen]

Big recovery steps around 3/6 and then 12months, after twelve I should be near normal, at this stage I find that hard to believe, I do think he overstates the quickness of recovery though.

You may have had less damage of course.

To what extent was your cartlidge damaged and did you have a labrum tear as well ?

[oscarsmum]

I am amazed at the different protocols each surgeon has. I am in no way saying one is right or wrong, but in the UK if they do microfracture they keep you on toe touch weight bearing only for 6 weeks to make sure the scar tissue that forms in place of cartilage has chance to form properly.

I had a PAO at 8 months post-scope so can't comment on long term recovery, but I can tell you that my glutes were still pretty weak at that time so I do agree that it would be twelve months to be anywhere near full fitness.

Kate

[TChen]

Joey,
Thanks for your update, its exactly what I am aiming for.. I am flying from Darwin to see JO on the 24th June, having surgery that day, am staying in Melb a week just to make sure everything is ok.. I have told work I should be back in 3 weeks, I am at a desk but can move about when I want and can have my chair as layed back as is comfortable, work have been fantastic. Your post has made me feel a better about it all.