Hip recovery and Osteoporosis

[Golf123]

I'm 6 weeks into a total hip replacement (left) following a "flying" fall onto my drive having caught my jumper in a branch. Due to this being called a fragility fracture, does this mean I have Osteoporosis? Also, what can I expect in terms of hip recovery after 6 weeks onwards?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd want a bit of convincing it was a fragility fracture if it was more than just a fall over from standing. They should do a dexascan to check the bone density status - unless the surgeon can offer credible observations from the surgery that the bone was in a poor state.

Recovery - can't help there!

[Golf123 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I am waiting for a DEXA scan and for now have been put on Adcal-D.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Golf123]

You probably need your blood vit D checked - and almost certainly more than the paltry amount in AdCal. Just get some from the chemist - I found some very reasonably priced ones that are 2000 IU from H&B, much cheaper than their own even on offer. And after 11 years on pred, mostly above 10mg, I'm still fine,

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Not necessarily- have included a link to nhs re fractures...they say there can be up to 400 different reasons why a fracture occurs in over 65s when they wouldn’t expect it to in younger people -

nice.org.uk/media/default/a...

As for hip replacement per se, I had one last year (although not on Pred) - and the recovery has been brilliant.

Occasionally if I walk too far or on uneven ground it aches a little, but back to doing Pilates with ankle weights!

Hopefully you were given a pamphlet with dos and don’t when you left hospital, and are getting the physio you require.

Have to say I think my recovery from shoulder replacement done earlier this year has been hampered a bit because I only had one physio appointment before Covid shut everything down....but will get there!

[Golf123 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. I think I am doing quite well. Can walk without any support although when getting off chair can be initially a little stiff. Stairs are still good foot, bad foot. I'm not taking any pain medication although I do feel a little achey and sore at times. Will check your link.

[piglette]

I have had two hip replacements while on pred, the last one five weeks ago. I did manage to dislocate the recent new hip just after I had it when I fainted in hospital after having a shower, they found me with my leg in an awkward position covered in blood as I had managed to lacerate the other leg down to the bone. I then had a lot of accountants visiting me as they had to fill out insurance and health and safety forms!!

[Jackoh in reply to piglette]

What a shock Piglette. Hope you’re progressing well. 💐

[Golf123 in reply to Jackoh]

I think I am. Stairs still difficult at moment. Had my DEXA appointment through this morning so will at least find out what the state of my bones are in.

[piglette in reply to Jackoh]

I think it was a bit of a shock to my surgeon too!! It is not that often you get a consultant surgeon stitching up a laceration on your leg. He probably has not done anything so lowly for years. He seemed much prouder of that than fixing my hip.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Maybe adding it to his CV as plastics experience ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

In all fairness he did do a pretty impressive job, hope he did as well on my hip!

[BettyE]

I had a new hip seven and a half years ago. I was almost at the end of a taper from Pred. . The taper had not been straightforward and had taken five years. I could not have asked for a better outcome. When I had my six week check I was told that I had " amazing bone density for your age" Presumably it had been checked during the op as I'd never had a DEXA scan.

I have never had a moments pain from the new hip even though I do have O.A. and my freedom of movement is fine. No trouble bending to cut my toe nails. My only bone protection while on Pred. was Calceos as I reacted badly to Alendronic Acid.

Wishing you the same good outcome.

[piglette in reply to BettyE]

My surgeon said the same. I think it is just the feel of the bone that makes them realise what our bones are like. I know there is no Dexascan or similar, I was awake through the op.

[suzy1959]

I have had both hips and knees replaced whilst on Pred. The hips were much easier to recover from and, by 12 weeks, almost no more problems. Being careful is a must though, to avoid dislocation and any infection.

[piglette in reply to suzy1959]

I was lucky I was in hospital when I dislocated my hip. My surgeon was saying the longer it is left the more difficult it is to put back. He was saying some people have to wear a metal cage round their hips. It sounded horrendous. Of course he told be this BEFORE he tried to put the dislocated hip back which rather frightened me!

[suzy1959 in reply to piglette]

That sounds like quite a horrific experience! I'm glad you are past that now.

[piglette in reply to suzy1959]

I must admit I have been very careful of what I do in case it happens again, as once you have dislocated the hip it is easier to do it the next time apparently. I saw the surgeon yesterday and he said I had dislocated it from the front which was better!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

At least it was in hospital - you didn't have to wait for an ambo to take you to the ED for it to be done!

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I had to wait five and a half hours for a surgeon and an operating theatre though!! Perhaps that would have been worse if I were at home.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

So much for the longer it's out ...