| Author |
Topic: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help! |
gabi6
Member |
 posted Aug-01-2007 11:05 AM
  
Hi everyone...I am new to this forum, but have been dealing with what was finally diagnosed as a torn labrum for almost 2 years. As a very active 40 year old, I am having a hard time with this-have had several knee surgeries over the years, but a hip repair really scares me. My arthrogram results state "small tear superior anterior labrum with small focal chondral fissure of acetubulum". Of course, I have been researching this endlessly, and from what I have been reading, this type of injury in general does not seem to improve over time. Does this sound similar to anyone else's diagnosis? Does anyone know of any surgeons in the Phoenix, Arizona area qualified to repair an injury of this nature. (am scheduled to see a surgeon, but do not yet know how many hip scopes he has done) From what I have been reading, it is a very specilized area, and this is making me VERY nervous, as travelling out of state is not an option for me. Thanks!
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sammyc314
Member |
posted Aug-01-2007 11:22 AM
Jen,
Thanks for the info. I'll give his office a call once we land in town.BTW, for those that are considering the surgery vs no surgery, I did the non-invasive approach for several years and only got worse with time. Sam
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mtnmuse
Member |
posted Aug-01-2007 11:30 PM
Sammy,My PT in Boulder is Lori Hayne at Alta Physical Therapy. I was seeing her for something else when I hurt my hip. She is the one who first suspected I had a labral tear and sent me to an Orthopedic Surgeon. I guess I am lucky that she was familiar with it, so I didn't have as much trouble getting going on this process as many people in this forum. I don't know if she has specific experience with post-op rehab for this injury, as I am still in a bit of denial about having to have the surgery. I can say she is a great PT in general. Jen, Thanks for the scoop on the Vidals. I am still waiting for an appointment with the surgeon my PT recommended in Golden (Dr Lammens) and to hear from Dr. Phillippon, but it is nice to hear of someone local. I live in Nederland and work in Boulder. Comforting that they were trained by Phillippon too. BTW. While waiting for the surgeons to chime in (so far the PT and DO think I need the surgery), I tried the cortizone injection last week. It did help quite a bit with the pain of more routine activities (like getting out of a car), although I still can't walk very far or up hill at all without horrible hip pain. It is kind of weird. The pain in my groin is dramatically better. If I try to take advantage of that and walk, I am getting this weird kind of seizing up of the joint with most of the pain now right behind he greater trochanter. Has anyone had anything like that? -Sue
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kristina
Member |
posted Aug-02-2007 06:42 PM
I'm 7 weeks post-op. I feel pretty good. I'm still tight and weak. I was off my crutches after 3-4 weeks. I haven't had any numbness. I guess we all have slightly different procedures and the recovery will vary. I think it's important what doctor you choose. I'm also petrified that my pain will come back after surgery.
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gburgdiscus
Member |
posted Aug-02-2007 08:10 PM
8 days post-op for a 3 cm anterior inferior labral tear and I'm almost off crutches. I alternate between 1 crutch and no crutches. My pain is very minimal, more in the range of discomfort. There is some soreness to the touch, especially along my underwear line, in the area of the tear.
I've been to PT twice so far. My PT is awesome!!! Turns out my PT went to the same college and had the same major as me and was also a college athlete- so he understands where I'm coming from. He's been adding more and more exercises for me to do. The exercise/stretching routine is up to about 35 minutes followed by icing 3 times a day. Today I also rode the bike for 8 minutes, at a good pace, no "Sunday stroll". The PT has been very impressed by my lack of pain and range of motion- especially for a 3 cm tear! I'm far ahead of the bench marks that the OS had suggested. I'm reminding myself not to push it. I want to be good forever not just for the next college track season.
Next week my PT and I are both headed off on vacation. He gave me a few more exercises to try while I'm away including leg lifts and other strengthening exercises. I'm excited to be able to start biking and getting in shape without pain! Hope everyone else is doing well with their hips.
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jerseygirl002
Member |
posted Aug-03-2007 07:13 PM
gburgdiscus:It's great to hear you've been doing so well. I have been diagnosed with a labral tear from a waterskiing accident in July 2006. I am also 20 years old & an athletic person. I decided to hold off on surgery until December 2007 (Winter Break). I got a cortisone shot about a month ago which has helped a lot. It is very encouraging to learn that you are feeling so great after surgery (compared to others, I suppose). Where did you get it done?
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aj2673
Member |
posted Aug-05-2007 06:33 PM
hi all,
i am 2 days post op and feeling great! the anesthesia they use now wears off very quickly, so i was pretty lucid hours a few hours after the surgery. the only intense pain i had was when i woke up. since then, ive been pretty lax with the meds bc the pain is minimal. im able to do all the pt the dr gave me. this includes leg lifts, toe raises, and circling my leg. i think i have a lot of strength bc of all the pt i did pre-op, so evryone out there who is preop make sure you do all of your pt!! does 2 weeks seem too long to be on crutches? thats what my surgeon says to do, but do some people need less time? -abby
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jentheroadrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-05-2007 08:40 PM
I can't repeat this enough to everyone out there...everyone's diagnosis/tear is different therefore the recoup time is different!!!PT and post op time depends on the location of the tear - remember the labral runs from the groin all across the back of the buttocks. If the tear is in the groin area, recovery is longer. IF they repair the tear, recovery is going to be LONGER. I strongly, strongly reccommend listening to the doc/PT and doing EXACTLY what they tell you...if you rush through the recovery period you risk ruining the work just done and a hip replacement at an early age!! OK, I feel like my mom now 
Jen
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ElizRock77
Member |
posted Aug-08-2007 10:47 AM
I will be having the surgery next week and your posts have been helpful at setting my mind at ease. Can someone tell me more about the actual surgery--are you on your back or stomach? Where exactly are the incisions? What does the pain feel like afterward? Thanks!
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blkaykay8
Member |
posted Aug-08-2007 11:54 AM
ElizRock77,During the surgery you are on the your back from what I recall because that is how I woke up. The incisions vary depending on where the tear are and who is doing your surgery. Mine are on my upper thigh and are quite small. When I woke up from surgery the only pain I was really feeling was in my foot because of the traction. I remember having extreme foot pain for a few hours because of the traction device and the way that they have to put you to do the surgery. All you have to do is ask for meds when you wake up in recovery and they will definitely take the pain away. If you have any other questions please ask away. Best of luck to you and don't be nervous just think about all the positives of having this surgery done.
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kristina
Member |
posted Aug-10-2007 08:48 PM
I had my 2 month ckeck-up this week. The surgeon thinks that I'm doing well. I can most likely not start running for another 2 months. It's a slow recovery but I hope that all will be well in the end.
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runagain
Member |
posted Aug-13-2007 02:56 AM
I have had a torn labrum and impingement for 2 years. I have seen Dr. Philippon, Leslie Vidal and Peter Lammens as I live in the Boulder area. For different reasons I was unable to have
my hip repaired by any of them, so I finally had surgery with
Michael Dayton at University in Denver. He was great. Wish I had gone to him first. I am three months out now, and it is much better. I don't think it will ever be perfect but it's good enough. I am 40 and have been running most of my life. Any one of the surgeons above would probably be fine but I'm happy with the way it worked out.
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gburgdiscus
Member |
posted Aug-13-2007 08:15 AM
2.5 weeks post op and I'm doing well. I'm walking now, but I try to limit it so I don't get too sore at night. I spend forever doing PT exercises- 3 times a day for about half an hour. I'm allowed to bike now "on flat surfaces" and I'm up to about 24 minutes. It feels good to be doing something again! The most pain I have is associated with my tight muscles (particularly my sartorious). Since I continued to do full work outs with my college track team for a year and a half after the injury, many of the muscles in the area tightened up to protect my joint. They still need to realize that I'm not hurt anymore- but I'm sure they'll loosen up. My PT and I were both on vacation last week, but I have 4 more sessions before I head back to college. As I think I mentioed my PT went to the same college as I do, and worked for the athletic training room. The same trainers are still there, so I will be finishing my PT with them. I'm hoping to start running again by the beginning of my season, which would be 3 months post op. jerseygirl002: I'm guessing you're from NJ, I'm from CT and had my surgery done by Carl Nissen. He's a family friend and very nice. He recently left his practice at Uconn and opened Elite Sports Medicine which is associated with Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. He still does surgery at UConn for patients over 18 (like us). I was amazed that after 17 months of being told I had tendonitis Dr. Nissen figured it out in 5 minutes! After it was confirmed by the MRI arthrogram I was jumping around my house thanking him. I'm sure there is someone good by you, but make sure to ask how many they have done in the past. Dr. Nissen told me there were only 4 in CT who had experience with this surgery. Also, make sure you have an MRI w/ dye- this will give the Dr. a good idea of where the tear is and if there is more than one. If you're going to have surgery, you want it done right. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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celey123
Member |
posted Aug-13-2007 11:16 AM
Hi there. I'm new to this forum as well. I have been reading this forum for a few weeks, though. I just had my surgery on July 27. I had my labral tear repaired, a bone spur ground down to fix my pincer impingement and I had what the surgeon called a capsulotomy because I had so much hardened cartilage in the joint. I'm starting week 3 post-op and I'm still on crutches. I will be on crutches at least 6 weeks per the doc. Physical therapy is going well -- my range of motion is matching my non-operated hip now. I wanted to let gabi know about docs in the Phoenix area. I went to Dr. Gary Waslewski. He's awesome. He's at the Arizona Sports Medicine Center in Scottsdale. I think he even has an office in Gilbert, too. He's been really great -- even called me at home to check in on how I was doing after surgery. Most docs just don't seem to follow-up like that anymore. I was told the Dr. Evan Lederman was also very good, but his office was such a pain in the rear to deal with that I just gave up. In reading through the posts, I'm positive that I made the right decision to have surgery. It'll be a bit of long road back, but it's a worth it to not have pain that I've been dealing with for 3 years anymore. Unlike the majority of you, I was actually not having pain running. It was one of the few activities I could do with relatively low pain. My injury was from rowing/sculling. I can't wait to get back to doing some type of cardio, though.
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cutiepossum
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 12:32 AM
First time user on cool running and looking for any advice concerning hip arthroscopic surgery. I already had an MRI with contrast. The doctors already told me that I have a labral tear, impingement and my hip ball joint is not perfectly round. I went to see Dr. Bryan Kelly in NYC and Dr. DeStefano from NJ. Dr. Kelly wanted me to try Active Release Therapy for 2 to 3 months first and then come back in September. I'm feeling a little better from the ACT therapy and am now doing some strengh training and swimming. I still have pain and am limited in my activities. I'm 41 years old and have 2 young children. I'm petrified to have the surgery and end up worse and less active than I already am. My ACT therapist suggested getting a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic. Does anyone know a physician there who specializes in hip arthroscopy? Also, has anyone had surgery done by Dr. Kelly in NY. He works from the Hospital of Special Surgeries? I am from PA, so I'm looking for physicians in my area. Do you know any others? I was also very concerned that so many have said that they had to fight with there insurance companies. Has anyone not had to fight with them? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to fight with the insurance company to get this surgery covered? Any and all advice is VERY WELCOME! Thanks for listening. Carrie
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gabi6
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 12:55 PM
celey123...Thank for the information. I too was referred to Dr. Waslewski-I have not made an appointment yet. Dr. A. Martin Clark at the Core Institute in Sun City was also highly recommended. Apparently he studied under Dr. Phillipon-have you heard of Dr. Clark? I am supposed to see him next week, and I am thinking about getting a 2nd opinion with Dr. Waslewski. HOw many people out there got 2nd opinions? I know my labrum is torn, with some slight chondral damage.....that has been confirmed through arthrogram. Did you have your surgery out-patient, or did you have an overnight stay? Thanks!
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extendedmaceration
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 03:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by warrantyexpired:
Anyone know of a doctor in Portland,OR area? Dr. Ellis at OHSU was recommended to me, but during the 1.5 years I've been trying to convince my insurance company's clinicians to order an MRI arthrogram, he has moved on to Ohio.
I am so frustrated by the never-ending process of being given stretches, orthotics, heel lifts, etc,etc. A physical therapist told me months ago that he thought it was FAI, but I can't get any clinicians to listen (and I work in the field of pain management for this same company!). From my symptoms and all I read - a labral tear/FAI sure seem to fit. Meanwhile I keep being stupid and trying to keep active - I find there really is no aerobic activity that is not painful, so I just keep trying to run anyway. thanks!!
Hello warrantyexpired  , Re: hip surgeons in Portland I had a labral repair performed by Dr. Ellis last April -- just before Dr. Ellis left. I have received follow-up care from Dr. Mark Wagner -- a former student of Dr. Ellis. He is practicing at Orthopedic Specialists, PC., has specialties in hip, knee and shoulder arthroscopy and has hospital priviledges through Providence Portland. It is my understanding that Dr. Wagner intends to start performing FAI surgeries through his practice. If your insurance allows, it might be worth scheduling a consultation with Dr. Wagner. Aside from receiving specialty training from Dr. Ellis, I do not know the extent of Dr. Wagner's direct experience with this particular procedure -- so if you meet with him it would certainly be worth asking how many of the arthroscopic hip procedures he has performed outside of his OHSU training, complication rates, and to the ability to speak with some of his arthroscopic hip patients. I know on a personal level how frustrating this particular injury can be and how challenging it is to receive both a diagnosis and treatment. I wish you the best of luck.
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marathon15
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 04:59 PM
Hi All
I have been reading the postings but have not added any in awhile. I was scheduled for L hip arthroscopy this coming Thursday but I just got word this morning that we will have to postpone it for now: about 3 weeks ago, I began experiencing numbness in my L leg and foot. My hip surgeon said it was not related to my hip but instead my back. I had an MRI of my back which showed leakage from a few discs in my lumbar spine. Dr. Asnis does not want to do the hip surgery-which would require him adding 20-50 pounds of traction-to a back that has any disc issues. I respect that but am frustrated at the same time. I am now scheduled for an injection next Wed into my spine to reduce the inflammation and aid in healing of the disc. Once that issue is resolved, we can schedule the surgery. I have not done any exercises in 3 weeks because I was so worried about the numbness issue. I haven't run since May and I am truly starting to lose it! Can anyone relate to my frustration? Besides the physical benefits of running, it has been the most wonderful mental outlet as I parent 4 children, 3 of them teenagers! I think only runners can genuinely understand what running means to us. It is not an obsession, but a way of life. Any tips from the exercising point of view that I can do that will keep my sanity intact but not exacerbate my back issues? Not to mention my hip issues? I am tired of living in pain but I am going crazy without exercise. Sue
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celey123
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 05:19 PM
Gabi6 - - I haven't heard of Dr. Clark. My original doc that found the tear was Dr. Charles Creasman at Arizona Fracture Surgeons (downtown Phx). He actually recommend Lederman and Martin. But, when I called Martin's office, he is apparently no longer doing hips. That is who referred me to Waslewski. My procedure was out-patient at Scottsdale-Shea. I would definitely get a second opinion if it makes you feel comfortable. Since I had already gotten Creasman's opinion, I just marched forward with Waslewski's opinion. I felt that he was very honest. I just went back in yesterday for my first post-op appointment. I'm still stuck on crutches for another 4 weeks, but I can put more weight on the leg/hip. He also cleared me for exercising on a stationary bike so long as the resistance is very low and my seat height is a little higher than usual. Funny, but my doc warned me about the pain that everyone here talks about around week 3 or so post-op. He said it's common to feel good with little or no pain until around 3 or 4 weeks. Then, because everything is tightening up as the inflammation goes down, things get painful. He told me to stay on top of my stretching everyday (3 - 4 times/day) so that I can nip the pain in the bud.
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kristina
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 06:11 PM
I had surgery with Dr. Kelly. He didn’t push the surgery on me but I felt that it was the only option I had if I wanted to get back to running. I had dealt with a bad hip for years before it was diagnosed as a labral tear. I’ve a hard time communicating with doctors and am always unsure. I’m happy with Dr. Kelly. The surgery went very well. It’s 2 months ago and he seems to think that I’m doing well. Time can only tell if I will be able to run again at the level I want to. Dr. Kelly also works with really good therapists. I’ve seen them a few times and I stay in contact with them with e-mails and phone calls. I didn’t have any problems with my insurance. The only thing right now that I’m waiting approval on is the rental of the CPM and ice machine.Good Luck!
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cutiepossum
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 07:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kristina:
I had surgery with Dr. Kelly. He didn’t push the surgery on me but I felt that it was the only option I had if I wanted to get back to running. I had dealt with a bad hip for years before it was diagnosed as a labral tear. I’ve a hard time communicating with doctors and am always unsure. I’m happy with Dr. Kelly. The surgery went very well. It’s 2 months ago and he seems to think that I’m doing well. Time can only tell if I will be able to run again at the level I want to. Dr. Kelly also works with really good therapists. I’ve seen them a few times and I stay in contact with them with e-mails and phone calls. I didn’t have any problems with my insurance. The only thing right now that I’m waiting approval on is the rental of the CPM and ice machine.Good Luck!
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cutiepossum
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 08:03 PM
kristina,
Thanks for the information. How long did it take for you to get the surgery scheduled with Dr. Kelly?
Do you know how many surgeries he has done? Also did you just get the labral tear fixed or did you also get hip resurfacing done?
After 2 months since the surgery how active are you?
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my post!
Carrie quote:
Originally posted by kristina:
I had surgery with Dr. Kelly. He didn’t push the surgery on me but I felt that it was the only option I had if I wanted to get back to running. I had dealt with a bad hip for years before it was diagnosed as a labral tear. I’ve a hard time communicating with doctors and am always unsure. I’m happy with Dr. Kelly. The surgery went very well. It’s 2 months ago and he seems to think that I’m doing well. Time can only tell if I will be able to run again at the level I want to. Dr. Kelly also works with really good therapists. I’ve seen them a few times and I stay in contact with them with e-mails and phone calls. I didn’t have any problems with my insurance. The only thing right now that I’m waiting approval on is the rental of the CPM and ice machine.Good Luck!
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jentheroadrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-14-2007 08:50 PM
Sue -
Just some cardio ideas (I can TOTALLY, TOTALLY, TOTALLY relate). It's the whole "runner mentatlity". Running is our drug I too have a bad back (L5 herniation) and prior to the hip surgery I couldn't run and I obviously can't now. I did three things: Pre-surgery and 6 weeks post op: deep water jogging
It's not the same and the cardio effect isn't great, but it is low impact and you do get to use all muscles. Water belts are around 30 bucks and I also bought water-proof headphones and holder for my i-pod off otterbox.com Recumbant bike - very boring, doesn't get the heart rate up very high, but you aren't putting any stress on your back. 2 weeks post op I swam with my arms only. I did this everyday until I received clearance to do the to above activities. I used a pully between my legs and swam using only my arms. I don't know if you have tried any of this...best of luck Heal up my friend!!
Jen
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gabi6
Member |
posted Aug-14-2007 11:30 PM
Celey123,Thanks again for the info. I see Dr. Martin next Monday, and he comes highly recommended, so I am eager to see what he has to say.
How has your rehab been so far?? How many times per week PT, etc..?
Are you allowed to swim? At least with our lovely weather lately, I know I can still get pool time in for awhile!
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celey123
Member |
posted Aug-15-2007 12:55 PM
Gabi6 -- I'm going to PT twice a week right now. Lots and lots of stretching, some resistance training with ankle weights. Now that I can ride the stationary bike, I get to do that, too. I was cleared for anything "non-impact", so swimming falls into that. The caveat is nothing hard on the hips like a breast stroke or a butterfly stroke. Freestyle is good. I'm sure non-impact running in the pool with a flotation belt like jentherunner mentioned is OK, too. I haven't tried the pool yet, though. All of you who are post-op and using the pool . . . isn't it a bit tough getting in and out of the pool? I'm still on crutches so??????
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