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Hip arthroscopy surgery HELP

guest — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:46:00 GMT

Hello any runners!
I’m desperately trying to find an old posting on the subject of hip arthroscopy regarding hip-flexor tears. There were a few of you out there, pre and post surgery, and I’m having a lot of trouble finding folks to share their experiences. Briefly, I’m scheduled with a top surgeon, Dr. Phillipon at the Steadman Hawkins clinic. The surgery is a bigger deal than I thought and now I have folks (not necessarily medical) who are suggesting I wouldn’t be able to count on distance running even with this procedure—that’s the goal of it. It’s expensive and I’m guessing I’ll be fighting insurance. I know those of you posting were running again? My surgery will involved two procedures for the labral tear and ‘trimming’ the bone that’s likely catching on the tendon.

Additionally, this post-op PT sounds very intense and well—expensive. I’m to stay there for four days and then return home with this “passive motion machine” that I’m directed to use for FOUR hours every night for three weeks?? I haven’t heard others discuss this at all.

ANYONE who has had this, or knows someone, or any advice—it would be so much appreciated. I’m scheduled in a cancellation slot that’s coming up soon. And now I’m not sure what to do. Without the procedure I would never run more than a recreational four miles. My life was distance running. Thoughts? Again, thank you all so much. ~Laura
...I'm insane. ~Laura

[http://This message has been edited by coloradolora (edited Jan-15-2007).|http://This message has been edited by coloradolora (edited Jan-15-2007).]

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:03:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I'm five months out of my surgery at Steadman, with Phillipon--I guess I'm posting because I'm in a lot of fear about where I'm at, or, where I'm not. If anyone is thinking about a similar surgery, or is out of a similar surgery, I would love to be in contact. Would love to be able to even hike a decent trail, much less imagine running.

Stay informed, anyone out there post-op?

Laura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 07:08:00 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Yeehaaaa:
Brownie and all of my fellow hip sufferers,

Thanks you for responding back to me. Sorry it has been awhile since i got on this thread. I just had x rays done again for Dr. Phillipon. They have to have xrays and some other stuff before they see you. I have been talking to Madeline at the Steadmand Hawkins Clinic in Vail and she has been great. I can't wait to go see them. They found a large bone fragment in my hip joint after doing xrays last week. They want to do a CT Scan to get a better idea of what is going on. I'm wondering if the first surgeon that cut off some of my labrum missed the bone fragment.

Thanks,
Ryan

Hi RyanI'm not sure if you've followed any of my wordy posts, but I started this thread a while ago, after my first MRI that confirmed a labral tear, and long long before I knew the extent of all of this. Finally, a mere three weeks ago, I had my labral tear surgery with Phillopon at SteadmanIf you're thinking about going further with this, I'd love to be use to you. Briefly, I plan to have no regrets, but there's a WHOLE lot of stuff I wish I'd known~~just regarding the pre-op/sugery/post-op stuff. It's a pretty big deal to get this surgery, in terms of the recovery process~~I AM very optimistic about my surgery, and they were fantastic up there, but I didn't quite know what I was getting into--If you have any appointments scheduled, I might be able to helpful in terms of some heads-ups with practicalities, etc. Let me know if I can be of use! Best, Laura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:51:00 GMT

Thanks for the replies. Yes, you want an experienced surgeon for this and apparently there are 8 in the US. I guess Dr. Phillipon is “the best” but he does a whole different thing. It’s orthoscopit, but I’ll be in intensive rehab for four days at some specialized hospital and then I come home and spend FIVE weeks in the passive motion maching, using it for five hours a night. And a foot pump. And I feel like I’ve entered the Twilight Zone. Of course, if insurance doesn’t come through, this is all out the door.

As far as how to diagnose this, I think the MRI is the only real sure bet. As far as the tear not getting worse, that wasn’t my experience. Actually, after a Saturday where I went to pilates and then did a short run (5 or 6 miles), it was four days later I was in the ER with only, on the second visit in 12 hours, a morphine shot cutting the pain. 12 days of pain meds. So, based on my experience—I’d get the MRI and consider serious modification. The good news is that it’s apparently a very rare injury. They found a weird bone ridge on my hips that might have made me more prone.

I’ll keep everyone posted. I’m feeling very scared, especially since I’m not hearing anyone else who’s doing this massive 6 week PT w/machine thing…Okay—late for work!

~cololaura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 21:28:00 GMT

Thanks for the post. I just met with the primary care doctor and she's trying to advocate for me. We talked about any other options other than this impossible clinic and she said, and I really trust her (very practical, etc.) when she said to be pretty careful with these non-specialty guys~~that you really want, in these cases, the best. Anyway~~just to feel if any of my process on this might be useful...But, hopefully the MRI will show a happy hip~~I'll send you that energy from Colorado~~keep us posted! Thanks again for the response~~maybe I'll end up in Boston in the same recovery room~~it sounds liek there's some immediate release after the surgery. I never thought I'd be begging to be "under the knife"...Best, Laura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 19:56:00 GMT

Dear kcstone017,

HiI'm the one that started this thread, also looking for anyone with experience with this. I've now met with the surgeon at the Steadman-Hawkins clinic, but the price quote is insane and I don't hold out much hope for hearing back from my insurance company. Then again, like you, I'm 32 and not willing to give up running. From what I"ve been hearing, contrary to before, this is actually a somewhat rare injury in that the surgeons who treat it are not found easilyI'm wondering if you were referred to anyone? This guy is great, but he's also an elite specicialist, and I'd rather 'take my chances' and be able to get it done by another surgeon.

My MRI confirmed what yours did, actually two tears and fluid, and then the X-rays indicated that there is some ridging in the bone that they want to 'shave down.'

I'll still waiting to hear more and I tried to quit running, but I just can't, so I'm going about three times a week. But slow. If I go slow, it's okay. Some days I'm in pain afterwards, some days not. The longest I've gone is 11 miles. Epson salt baths after the runs seem to help (and they're a lot nicer than the ice baths I used to take).

Beyond that, that's my update. As far as your body "re-aligning"--I feel like I can assure you there. You're 31, you're obviously an athelete, and our bodies are amazing in what they can do. I'm a huge fan of pilates and in our class we do a lot of work on aligning/evening muscles. It's amazing how much even a 'normal' person has out of whack. So, I bet that will just be like a PT process.

Let me know anything you find out! Best of luck, Laura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:47:00 GMT

Thank you both so much!

Actually, the new development yesterday was that I received an "Addendum to report" from the MRI folks. I'm not sure why they decided to re-review my scans, but it's now showing that there are actually two tears....There's also a bit of fluid. The other thing is that my pain is definitely getting worse. Yesterday was the first day where I was actually distracted by it while working at a desk. I think the Rebox x-trainer is putting too much resistance on it. I'm about ready to just resort to upper body and pilates.

I'm also hoping that somehow this injury could be related to the knee problems on that side. Any experience there? My theory is that perhaps that injury asked the knee for some compensation that resulted in a knee problem as well. Or, wishful thinking?

The frustrating part is that this doctor seems impossible to get a hold of. It's encouraging to hear that one of you was able to walk so soon--I feel like I need to have this surgery before teaching starts again.

But, wow, thank you SO much for taking the time to share your experiences.

I miss running. I feel like a little kid PROMISING that next time I'll be good. No over-training. I wish I could implant that message in all the enthusiastic, indestructible folks like me.

Again, thank you.

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 02:43:00 GMT

Jeremy!

Thanks so much~~I'm having trouble finding "superior labral tear" buddies. I really appreciate the information though~~I did 14 this morning, the whole time wondering how idiotic it was, but only runners know the need...So, that's great. I was actually thinking of checking out the option of getting the surgery postponed and get a fall marathon in first. I'd rather be out of commision in the winter. Also, I've done two half marathons and a full May marathon since the tear, and it hasn't gotten that much more painful. I didn't know about the blood flow non-heal, makes perfect sense. I've definately noticed if I keep a slow pace (9-10 min miles), and avoid my beloved hill runs, that I feel the pain a bit less. For meForget speed with this guy. The good news is that my pilates teacher, who knows my neurosis with exercise pretty well, told me that studies really prove recovery time is about 1/2 for people who are taking pretty good care of themselves. I'm hearing 5 months, so I'm figuing 2/5 months. November 8th then, right? Good newsIt looks like I'll have a good surgeon, he's at the Steadman-Hawkin clinic (Vail) which I guess I was supposed to have heard about before this. Of course, I have insomnia nightmares of some 'error' in the repair work.

Definately keep me updated. I'm wondering if you had the MRI yet? I guess the 'worse' scenerio is if the tissue gets pulled away from the hip bone. I also did the rest/PT/roller ball/etc. work and nothing. These apparently always will be a lifetime injury until the surgery repair. I've heard if your sane with the recovery, it's unlikely to re-occur. About your marathon, I can't say I wouldn't go for itif you trust your source on the idea that we're not making this injury worse with running. How much pain are you in? My injury switched when I started feeling it more at rest. What's a bit strange is that I feel it the most when I have to move my right foot in that tiny motion to hit my brakes driving. I'll definatly also ask this guy about the running w/the injuryif so, I'd like to get another one in. I felt no cardio strain on 14 miles, and I'm not big on getting bothered by pain. I was also thinking it wouldn't be a problem to train for a fall marathon, and how frustrating to give that base up. I guess the day will come that we'll have to take the time off, but putting it off is sure appealing....

Good luck on your training--and keep me updated. I bet the adreneline will obliterate any pain once you've got your tag pinned on your shirt at the starting line!

Laura

Re: Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 18:22:00 GMT

Thanks so much for the empathy. I wanted to post here because I can't deal with people that 'don't get' it~~what not running feels like. Part of why I probably have an injury is because I'm a moron~~example A: After getting diagnosis I went out for 6 miles. It's definately getting worse. It's a tear through the "superior lateral acetabular labrum" if that means anything. Inner lining in"cup" that supports bone.

I feel like I have to be positive and it looks like PT starts quickly afterwards, hoping I"ll be able to resume upper body weights/core work/cardio quickly. Although it's time I listened to doctors.

This is only detectable by symptoms and MRI. If you suspect, it might be worth itI say this because I have insurance in one of the rare stretches of my life. But, yes, it numbs out somewhat in running, though even that's changing now. Hurts in morning. It feels like the pain starts between hip bone and pubic bone, deep inside, and sometimes goes up as far as lower absmy rather intense pilates work might have stretched it up there. Apparently a lot of people can have this and never feel it~~if you feels yours somewhat regular, or it worsens, probably a red flag. Also, it's usually related to a specific incident. Oh~~also, feels "sharp." I supected it because it felt different than my other injuries that I've been able to work out with stretching/massage/ice baths/PT/etc. Hope this helps a litte.

Hoping to get surgery soon, and start the rest. Aim for spring marathon, sanity. I wish I could implant in the brain of all starting runners not to overtrain. I was told again and again~~and once again in life, apparently I have to learn by pushing it.... Thanks again, and best~~Laura

Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Tear: Please help!

guest — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 20:24:00 GMT

Hello all,

Hoping a few of you have some experience with this....My MRI confirmed a labral tear. I'd suspected this since a December idiotic spring. It's been getting worse, and I feel like I've tried everything, massively cut back, x-train, core work, supplements, water training, PT, etc. Has anyone had this surgery? I've never had to before, and I'm naturally distrustful (fearful, I suppose). I need to distance run for sanity, so I'm feeling like it's a matter of time. And likely only have insurance for another year.

Wondering if anyone has had alternatives that work? A six month tear that did start to heal on own?

My knee on that side has been problematic since, and now I suspect it's coming out of there. They're talking 8-12 weeks before much of anything~~I guess I'll lose allmost muscle/cardio investment. Sigh. Just this morning. Ready to get surgery if that's the fix. But anxious to hear from other runners~~I tend to trust their experience more than a Q&A website.

Thanks for any help--