Hi, I'm Holly! Welcome to my Hip Surgery video series. Keep in mind... I am NOT a doctor, EVERYONE is different, and this is just me sharing MY journey.
I am at 5 weeks post-op right now and I feel exactly the same. For the first few weeks it was fine, bit now that I am cleared for being able to put more weight on my leg, the hip is flaring up. Some days not so bad, some days a little worse. I am also a side sleeper and I am fighting all night to get an okay sleeping postion lol, not too comfy in anything I try. It is so frustrating bot knowing are you on the right path of recovery since the process it very individual. For anyone struggling, I am also really mentally drained, scared and you're not alone. Keep going!
Just wanted to say thank for sharing these. Incredibly helpful to see different journeys and follow along with your recovery. I'll be about 6-7 weeks behind you. Rooting for you!
I wish I watched this before my surgery & went back to work at 2.5 weeks 😭 My doc initially said I could go back after 2 weeks, but no way could I have sat for 8 hours straight... so I did 4h/day. Now at almost 5 weeks I'm going to start 8h/day, which I'm nervous about. I wish my doctor/PA was more realistic & clear about return to work.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I have been recommended to get this surgery in at least my right hip, maybe both hips. I had no idea it would be such a long and grueling recovery! I might need to do more preparation beforehand and your video has really helped me with that
Hey Holly, I am watching this 3 weeks and two days Post op, super frustrated that I am not off the crutches and still so sore. But seeing and healing your Story really made me more hopeful and perhaps a bit more Patient.
Hey this would make you 5 week out? I’m also 5 weeks out and down to one crutch what about yourself? I have tried to walk without the crutch but I have a limp and get tired and sore quickly. How has your recovery been? Still on the crutches?
Thank you so much for putting these videos together! I’m on the same journey now and it is really testing my patience 😅 But it’s comforting to know that my experience is similar to others🙃
I think a lot of people don't have easy surgeries & recovery. But people don't want to hear it & instead spread the rumors of the ones that have it easier like that's the norm. Seeing g accepting reality like this is helpful preparation.
Hello. Two weeks ago i had my sugery. I’m living in the Nederlands so if i have some mistakes in my writing a’m sorry 😅. I have to walk 4 weeks on ‘krukken’. Two times a week fysio and i hope to walk soon. My knie also hurts sometimes. And my ‘lies’ also. Nice to see how te procces is! Groetjes!
Hello. Why no mention of a CPM machine ? I had the surgery done on April 29 I had to wear my brace up until two days ago. Now I have to wear a soft brace for protection, no metal in this one. Since I am still healing inside and with the bone shaving. I have to use the machine 4 to 6 hours a day. Two crutches, physical therapy twice a week. I got my stitches taken out this week I have sutures right now. And I still have periodic pain it was only a couple weeks ago so it’s still to be expected my surgeon said. I wish you well
I’m doing pretty great now! I’d say it really takes 6ish months to feel totally “normal” again for sure. Still nothing as flexible as I once was, but not a huge deal. Just be patient with yourself and your body! Good luck!
Hello Samantha! I had the arthroscopy for FAI before 3 months on my right hip.. Everyone is different but I would suggest to talk with you pt and doctor because hips need mobility! I mean that maybe you should try to avoid the crutch.. I was in pain too but my doctor said that even im in pain I have to walk after one month a little bit at the time. Be patient and do PTs and exercise at home(ask your PT for a daily program) Rehabilitation happens only once! So do your best and don't be anxious!
@@ramizkaraeski299 hello, yes I’m actually doing PT at home right now. My PT hasn’t cleared me to be off the crutch because I dip when I walk and that could lead to back problems. I can walk in my hallway and short distance but out and about I use the crutches
@@samanthas4370 I understand! So give it some time and be aware of your body posture.. I for example, have an anterior pelvic tilt and that means that there is more pressure at the surgery damage.. So I'm trying to fix thay to.. As I said everyone is different but you have to search it on your own! In adittion pay attention at your nutrition(eat a lot of fruits and avoid smoking if you smoke)! Every thing is important at that time
@@ramizkaraeski299 yes, I actually irritated my hip last week thinking I could get up from my floor exercises like nothing and boy was I wrong 😅 I’m okay now but I had to scale back on the PT because I was swelling. I try to walk 5 minutes every hour when I’m working and do my PT exercises daily. I don’t smoke and I eat pretty healthy, minus today. I’ll be indulging in some baked goodies. Most days I’m positive but the days that I feel pain or fatigue I become frustrated. I was cleared to start driving so I’ll be heading to outpatient PT where I’m hoping the machines will progress my walking quickly as I build up the glute muscles.
Me I can’t still walk I’m on six weeks my knee stiff cause my Doctor doesn’t want me to use Cpm machine. I’m still using crutches can’t dress by myself.
I had my left hip done last week. The groin pain I had prior to surgery is still there? Did you experience any groin pain? I am trying to stay positive but im feeling like the problem wasn't fix as I still feel the pain I have had for the last 5 yrs.
How are you feeling now? I’m 1 week post op and I still have the dull ache that was there prior to surgery which alarmed me as well. Hoping it goes away, did it for you?
I had my right hip arthroscopy done yesterday after about a year of chronic pain. Both hips showed an FAI which is due to my genetics. The doctor doesn't know if I'll need another one done on my left hip, but says it's dependent on my recovery. Did your MRI show that you needed another surgery? Or have you already had it/ are getting it scheduled? I thought some tips on a second surgery would really be appreciated.
Hi Anna! Thanks for reaching out. I actually had my left hip done (the second one) on August 11th, so I Am exactly 3 weeks post-op with that one. I am planning to do an update video. It will be posting most likely sometime in the next few days. Is there anything specific you would want me to include out of my experience or tips? Best of luck with your recovery!! Rooting for you!
@@hollybollig Hmm... Maybe some tips on the physical therapy when both legs are weaker? That's one thing I've been a little worried about. I'm also just curious about movement/ range of motion in general. Or how often you've had to take pain medication. Do you take a higher dose of aspirin for both legs?
Hey Anna!I am 3 months post op(right hip)and I have FAI on my left too(pain and stiffness) I'd like to ask you how are you now and will you do the other one eventually??
@@ramizkaraeski299 I did actually get my other hip arthroscopy done. I'm currently 2 1/2 months post-op, and the second time has been much smoother as far as recovery (aside from finding arthritis). Using crutches and attending physical therapy made the hip alot stronger, and I was more aware of the process and restrictions I needed the next time around. If anything, mentally preparing yourself to go through weeks 1 & 2 all over again will benefit you the most. The crutches were hard to switch sides on, and I'm grateful to not need them anymore. Months 3-6 of recovery should hold little to no restrictions. Hoping things go as well for you, and remember that it can only improve from there!!
Jeez, you really don't have any idea what real problems are. Here's me..... When I was 17 years old I sustained a lateral compression pelvic ring fracture as a passenger in a motor vehicle accident. I was sitting in the front passenger seat of an old Volkswagen Beetle which hydroplaned into oncoming traffic and was hit T-bone style by 2 cars on my right side. I fractured the right superior pubic ramus and right inferior pubic ramus and also likely fractured somewhere on the right side of the sacrum. The orthopedic doctor I saw at the time was not a pelvic specialist. The type of injury I sustained was described in the notes at the time as a "bucket handle” fracture. I think this might have been incorrect, as I believe a “bucket handle” (Tile 'B3 Contralateral Lateral Compression') requires the posterior fracture to be on the opposite side of the pelvis from the anterior fractures. In the early x-ray and CT reports I have, no sacral fracture was mentioned being seen, but an assumption was written in the notes that I had fractured the right side of my sacrum. Unfortunately, I don’t have those early film images as they were disposed of by the doctor's office a few years later. So as of yet, I don't know for sure where (or if) I broke the sacrum. The earliest images I have were taken nearly 2 years after the accident (CT and x-ray - both on film), and sacral fractures seem very difficult to see once healed, especially without the ability to enlarge the images. If I did fracture the sacrum, I believe the fracture was probably on the right side; ipsilateral to the rami fractures (Young & Burgess ‘Lateral Compression Type 1’ or Tile 'B2 Ipsilateral Lateral Compression'). The pelvis healed without surgery or fixation, and it healed with deformity/displacement. The right hemipelvis is in internal rotation, distorting the shape of the pelvic ring. The rami fractures healed with malunion from the internal rotation, as seen by the apparent narrowness of the right obturator foramen in AP images. The right hemipelvis is also in extension. The extension (anterior rotation) of the right hemipelvis is seen by the right PSIS being 8mm higher than the left PSIS, while the right ASIS is lower than the left ASIS. In other words, everything of the posterior is higher on the right hemipelvis than on the left, and everything anterior is lower on the right hemipelvis than on the left. This is when the hips are perfectly level. This is marked in the standing x-ray attached. Also, the iliac crest and the ischial tuberosity are both 8mm higher on the right side than the on the left - when the hips are perfectly level (I have numerous x-rays showing this, including the marked standing x-ray attached). The internal rotation and extension of the right hemipelvis and the ilium height difference causes my sacrum to be on an oblique axis which causes scoliosis and rotation of my lumbar spine (the scoliosis straightens above L2). It also seems maybe there was some damage to the pubic symphysis, as the right and left pubic bones appear somewhat misaligned (this is not a concern to me). Because I'm not a surgeon, perhaps my terminology is different from how you would describe these things, but hopefully you understand what I mean by my description. I can explain what I mean clearly in person. Likewise, in person I can explain and show the areas and nature of discomfort and pain which I constantly experience from both the internal rotation and anterior rotation (extension) of the right side of my pelvis. I realize this degree of deformity may seem mild compared to acute fractures seen through the ER, however I promise this degree of deformity is enough to cause constant discomfort through life, especially for an active person. The symptoms which are constant whether standing, sitting, lying down, walking, swimming (which I do every day), riding a bicycle (which I do 3-4 times a week) -any time at all- is feeling my pubic bone constantly rubbing into my right leg/groin as my right leg is more under the center of my body due to the internal rotation and compression of my right hemipelvis, also constantly feeling my right ilium pushing into my abdominals due to the internal rotation, (some femoral nerve aggravation from this also - *not from my spine, I have good spacing throughout my lumbar spine). As you can see in the narrowness of space within the ring on the right side compared to the left in the AP CT image attached here (AP ‘centered'), perhaps you can imagine these symptoms. Also, discomfort in the right side of my lower back, caused by the right hemipelvis anterior rotation (extension) and ilium height difference, is constant. As is discomfort in my pelvic floor due to the ischial tuberosity being higher on the right side than the left. Each of these symptoms, and others, I can explain in person. Although the accident happened years ago, it has been very difficult ever since. Over the years I have exhausted every imaginable modality of physical therapy, deep tissue therapies, manipulation techniques etc, as well as decades of doing yoga and Pilates daily. Although these things have helped, as long as my pelvis is structurally deformed/displaced as it is, keeping the various symptoms in check is constant wack-a-mole. I do a comprehensive routine of stretches and mobilization exercises every day diligently, as well as various stretches throughout the day as needed (pretty constantly). I keep my musculature and joints healthy. Upon appearance I seem healthy and otherwise I am very healthy. I am good at not showing it, but the pelvic deformity causes discomfort that is constant. In 2010, while living in California, I contacted Dr. Joel Matta at his old clinic in Los Angeles, and I met with Dr. Nicholas Mast in San Francisco as well as Dr. Michael Bellino at Stanford. They each recognized the deformity and told me I would need a pelvic reconstruction surgery in order to correct this. Although the discomfort was constant then, as it is now, I had just finished surgically lengthening my left femur to correct a structural leg length discrepancy, and so at the time I was overwhelmed and not ready then to go through with surgery of my pelvis. After years of discomfort, and with much consideration, I am now ready. I have decided to seek a pelvis specialist to see about having my pelvis broken and realigned. I am looking for someone who is experienced and talented with pelvic reconstruction surgeries and who is willing to give me the time to answer some questions I have. I was referred to you by Dr. Stephen Sims' nurse. I was told you are personable and caring, as well as very intelligent and detail oriented. I am very much interested in meeting with you to discuss my situation and to ask you some questions. I sent this attached standing 51" AP bilateral hip to ankle x-ray (which I marked), so that you can see my legs from hip to ankle are exactly even. My left tibia is 8mm shorter than the right, but my left femur is 8mm longer than the right. I used to have a structural leg length discrepancy in both my femur and tibia totaling 2.3 cm, which I had surgically corrected with a femoral lengthening (of 2.3 cm) done by Dr. Dror Paley. My point in sending this image is just to show that I do not have a leg length discrepancy at all, and in this image you can see my hips are perfectly level - just as a 'baseline' reference when looking at the pelvis deformity/displacement described above. The degree of deformity I have might seem mild, especially upon a quick glance. Upon a closer look, and with measurements, the deformity is more revealed. For example, my whole pelvis is always rotated to the right to compensate for the internal rotation of the right hemipelvis. This brings my symphysis to the right of midline (as you can see in the attached standing x-ray). If the symphysis is centered in an image then the internal rotation of the right innominate bone is much more noticeable. I recently had a CT of my pelvis, and in the CT my symphysis is to the right of midline as it always is when lying supine, just as it is when standing. I attached this original AP image here to show this. I also attached an image taken from the CT 3D rendering which is rotated a bit so that my symphysis is more centered with the coccyx (like a normal AP), to show the right hemipelvis internal rotation more clearly. Also attached is a PA image and an image from underneath showing more clearly the inferior ramus malunion. Again, I realize this degree of asymmetry isn’t much compared to what is seen in acute broken pelvises in a trauma setting, but it is enough to cause me constant discomfort, and is difficult to live with, and I very much want to see about having it surgically corrected. I am aware that both superior and inferior pubic rami would need to be broken and fixation applied once realigned, and perhaps the sacrum would need to be broken as well. I would be prepared for this. I have a high pain tolerance, and will gladly endure the short term pain for the long term results of having my pelvis structurally symmetrical. As for recovery, my bones heal exceptionally fast. And, of course, I would do all physical therapy with zeal.
I am at 5 weeks post-op right now and I feel exactly the same.
For the first few weeks it was fine, bit now that I am cleared for being able to put more weight on my leg, the hip is flaring up. Some days not so bad, some days a little worse. I am also a side sleeper and I am fighting all night to get an okay sleeping postion lol, not too comfy in anything I try.
It is so frustrating bot knowing are you on the right path of recovery since the process it very individual.
For anyone struggling, I am also really mentally drained, scared and you're not alone. Keep going!
Just wanted to say thank for sharing these. Incredibly helpful to see different journeys and follow along with your recovery. I'll be about 6-7 weeks behind you. Rooting for you!
Thank you! Good luck to you as well.
I wish I watched this before my surgery & went back to work at 2.5 weeks 😭
My doc initially said I could go back after 2 weeks, but no way could I have sat for 8 hours straight... so I did 4h/day. Now at almost 5 weeks I'm going to start 8h/day, which I'm nervous about. I wish my doctor/PA was more realistic & clear about return to work.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I have been recommended to get this surgery in at least my right hip, maybe both hips. I had no idea it would be such a long and grueling recovery! I might need to do more preparation beforehand and your video has really helped me with that
Hey Holly, I am watching this 3 weeks and two days Post op, super frustrated that I am not off the crutches and still so sore. But seeing and healing your Story really made me more hopeful and perhaps a bit more Patient.
Hey this would make you 5 week out? I’m also 5 weeks out and down to one crutch what about yourself? I have tried to walk without the crutch but I have a limp and get tired and sore quickly. How has your recovery been? Still on the crutches?
Had my surgery on June 1 welcome to my world it’s different every day I can relate to your pain
Thank you so much for putting these videos together! I’m on the same journey now and it is really testing my patience 😅 But it’s comforting to know that my experience is similar to others🙃
I think a lot of people don't have easy surgeries & recovery. But people don't want to hear it & instead spread the rumors of the ones that have it easier like that's the norm. Seeing g accepting reality like this is helpful preparation.
Hello. Two weeks ago i had my sugery. I’m living in the Nederlands so if i have some mistakes in my writing a’m sorry 😅. I have to walk 4 weeks on ‘krukken’. Two times a week fysio and i hope to walk soon. My knie also hurts sometimes. And my ‘lies’ also. Nice to see how te procces is! Groetjes!
Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you’re on the right track to recovery! Good luck with everything 😃
Thanks for videos, could you please upload an update video?
Hello.
Why no mention of a CPM machine ? I had the surgery done on April 29 I had to wear my brace up until two days ago. Now I have to wear a soft brace for protection, no metal in this one. Since I am still healing inside and with the bone shaving. I have to use the machine 4 to 6 hours a day. Two crutches, physical therapy twice a week. I got my stitches taken out this week I have sutures right now. And I still have periodic pain it was only a couple weeks ago so it’s still to be expected my surgeon said. I wish you well
thank you for sharing!
I would like to ask what medication you took to avoid re-growth of the bone?
I had the same surgery same pain it happened at 3 weeks
Hey holly! I’m 7 weeks post op and I’m frustrated for sure. Still using one crutch to walk. Just wanted to see how you’re doing now
I’m doing pretty great now! I’d say it really takes 6ish months to feel totally “normal” again for sure. Still nothing as flexible as I once was, but not a huge deal. Just be patient with yourself and your body! Good luck!
Hello Samantha! I had the arthroscopy for FAI before 3 months on my right hip.. Everyone is different but I would suggest to talk with you pt and doctor because hips need mobility! I mean that maybe you should try to avoid the crutch.. I was in pain too but my doctor said that even im in pain I have to walk after one month a little bit at the time. Be patient and do PTs and exercise at home(ask your PT for a daily program) Rehabilitation happens only once! So do your best and don't be anxious!
@@ramizkaraeski299 hello, yes I’m actually doing PT at home right now. My PT hasn’t cleared me to be off the crutch because I dip when I walk and that could lead to back problems. I can walk in my hallway and short distance but out and about I use the crutches
@@samanthas4370 I understand! So give it some time and be aware of your body posture.. I for example, have an anterior pelvic tilt and that means that there is more pressure at the surgery damage.. So I'm trying to fix thay to.. As I said everyone is different but you have to search it on your own! In adittion pay attention at your nutrition(eat a lot of fruits and avoid smoking if you smoke)! Every thing is important at that time
@@ramizkaraeski299 yes, I actually irritated my hip last week thinking I could get up from my floor exercises like nothing and boy was I wrong 😅 I’m okay now but I had to scale back on the PT because I was swelling. I try to walk 5 minutes every hour when I’m working and do my PT exercises daily. I don’t smoke and I eat pretty healthy, minus today. I’ll be indulging in some baked goodies. Most days I’m positive but the days that I feel pain or fatigue I become frustrated. I was cleared to start driving so I’ll be heading to outpatient PT where I’m hoping the machines will progress my walking quickly as I build up the glute muscles.
Me I can’t still walk I’m on six weeks my knee stiff cause my Doctor doesn’t want me to use Cpm machine. I’m still using crutches can’t dress by myself.
hi holly, have you had issues with hip bursitis post op? thanks for the vids
I had my left hip done last week. The groin pain I had prior to surgery is still there? Did you experience any groin pain? I am trying to stay positive but im feeling like the problem wasn't fix as I still feel the pain I have had for the last 5 yrs.
How are you feeling now? I’m 1 week post op and I still have the dull ache that was there prior to surgery which alarmed me as well. Hoping it goes away, did it for you?
So I guess I shouldn't presume that I will be back to work doing catering at 3 to 4 weeks
I had my right hip arthroscopy done yesterday after about a year of chronic pain. Both hips showed an FAI which is due to my genetics. The doctor doesn't know if I'll need another one done on my left hip, but says it's dependent on my recovery. Did your MRI show that you needed another surgery? Or have you already had it/ are getting it scheduled? I thought some tips on a second surgery would really be appreciated.
Hi Anna! Thanks for reaching out. I actually had my left hip done (the second one) on August 11th, so I Am exactly 3 weeks post-op with that one. I am planning to do an update video. It will be posting most likely sometime in the next few days. Is there anything specific you would want me to include out of my experience or tips? Best of luck with your recovery!! Rooting for you!
@@hollybollig Hmm... Maybe some tips on the physical therapy when both legs are weaker? That's one thing I've been a little worried about. I'm also just curious about movement/ range of motion in general. Or how often you've had to take pain medication. Do you take a higher dose of aspirin for both legs?
Hey Anna!I am 3 months post op(right hip)and I have FAI on my left too(pain and stiffness) I'd like to ask you how are you now and will you do the other one eventually??
@@ramizkaraeski299 I did actually get my other hip arthroscopy done. I'm currently 2 1/2 months post-op, and the second time has been much smoother as far as recovery (aside from finding arthritis). Using crutches and attending physical therapy made the hip alot stronger, and I was more aware of the process and restrictions I needed the next time around. If anything, mentally preparing yourself to go through weeks 1 & 2 all over again will benefit you the most. The crutches were hard to switch sides on, and I'm grateful to not need them anymore. Months 3-6 of recovery should hold little to no restrictions. Hoping things go as well for you, and remember that it can only improve from there!!
@@annadavis9839 Thank you for your answer and I wish you the best too!!!
How is your diet?
Jeez, you really don't have any idea what real problems are. Here's me.....
When I was 17 years old I sustained a lateral compression pelvic ring fracture as a passenger in a motor vehicle accident. I was sitting in the front passenger seat of an old Volkswagen Beetle which hydroplaned into oncoming traffic and was hit T-bone style by 2 cars on my right side.
I fractured the right superior pubic ramus and right inferior pubic ramus and also likely fractured somewhere on the right side of the sacrum. The orthopedic doctor I saw at the time was not a pelvic specialist. The type of injury I sustained was described in the notes at the time as a "bucket handle” fracture. I think this might have been incorrect, as I believe a “bucket handle” (Tile 'B3 Contralateral Lateral Compression') requires the posterior fracture to be on the opposite side of the pelvis from the anterior fractures.
In the early x-ray and CT reports I have, no sacral fracture was mentioned being seen, but an assumption was written in the notes that I had fractured the right side of my sacrum. Unfortunately, I don’t have those early film images as they were disposed of by the doctor's office a few years later. So as of yet, I don't know for sure where (or if) I broke the sacrum. The earliest images I have were taken nearly 2 years after the accident (CT and x-ray - both on film), and sacral fractures seem very difficult to see once healed, especially without the ability to enlarge the images. If I did fracture the sacrum, I believe the fracture was probably on the right side; ipsilateral to the rami fractures (Young & Burgess ‘Lateral Compression Type 1’ or Tile 'B2 Ipsilateral Lateral Compression').
The pelvis healed without surgery or fixation, and it healed with deformity/displacement.
The right hemipelvis is in internal rotation, distorting the shape of the pelvic ring. The rami fractures healed with malunion from the internal rotation, as seen by the apparent narrowness of the right obturator foramen in AP images.
The right hemipelvis is also in extension. The extension (anterior rotation) of the right hemipelvis is seen by the right PSIS being 8mm higher than the left PSIS, while the right ASIS is lower than the left ASIS. In other words, everything of the posterior is higher on the right hemipelvis than on the left, and everything anterior is lower on the right hemipelvis than on the left. This is when the hips are perfectly level. This is marked in the standing x-ray attached.
Also, the iliac crest and the ischial tuberosity are both 8mm higher on the right side than the on the left - when the hips are perfectly level (I have numerous x-rays showing this, including the marked standing x-ray attached). The internal rotation and extension of the right hemipelvis and the ilium height difference causes my sacrum to be on an oblique axis which causes scoliosis and rotation of my lumbar spine (the scoliosis straightens above L2).
It also seems maybe there was some damage to the pubic symphysis, as the right and left pubic bones appear somewhat misaligned (this is not a concern to me).
Because I'm not a surgeon, perhaps my terminology is different from how you would describe these things, but hopefully you understand what I mean by my description. I can explain what I mean clearly in person. Likewise, in person I can explain and show the areas and nature of discomfort and pain which I constantly experience from both the internal rotation and anterior rotation (extension) of the right side of my pelvis. I realize this degree of deformity may seem mild compared to acute fractures seen through the ER, however I promise this degree of deformity is enough to cause constant discomfort through life, especially for an active person.
The symptoms which are constant whether standing, sitting, lying down, walking, swimming (which I do every day), riding a bicycle (which I do 3-4 times a week) -any time at all- is feeling my pubic bone constantly rubbing into my right leg/groin as my right leg is more under the center of my body due to the internal rotation and compression of my right hemipelvis, also constantly feeling my right ilium pushing into my abdominals due to the internal rotation, (some femoral nerve aggravation from this also - *not from my spine, I have good spacing throughout my lumbar spine). As you can see in the narrowness of space within the ring on the right side compared to the left in the AP CT image attached here (AP ‘centered'), perhaps you can imagine these symptoms. Also, discomfort in the right side of my lower back, caused by the right hemipelvis anterior rotation (extension) and ilium height difference, is constant. As is discomfort in my pelvic floor due to the ischial tuberosity being higher on the right side than the left. Each of these symptoms, and others, I can explain in person.
Although the accident happened years ago, it has been very difficult ever since. Over the years I have exhausted every imaginable modality of physical therapy, deep tissue therapies, manipulation techniques etc, as well as decades of doing yoga and Pilates daily. Although these things have helped, as long as my pelvis is structurally deformed/displaced as it is, keeping the various symptoms in check is constant wack-a-mole. I do a comprehensive routine of stretches and mobilization exercises every day diligently, as well as various stretches throughout the day as needed (pretty constantly). I keep my musculature and joints healthy. Upon appearance I seem healthy and otherwise I am very healthy. I am good at not showing it, but the pelvic deformity causes discomfort that is constant.
In 2010, while living in California, I contacted Dr. Joel Matta at his old clinic in Los Angeles, and I met with Dr. Nicholas Mast in San Francisco as well as Dr. Michael Bellino at Stanford. They each recognized the deformity and told me I would need a pelvic reconstruction surgery in order to correct this. Although the discomfort was constant then, as it is now, I had just finished surgically lengthening my left femur to correct a structural leg length discrepancy, and so at the time I was overwhelmed and not ready then to go through with surgery of my pelvis.
After years of discomfort, and with much consideration, I am now ready. I have decided to seek a pelvis specialist to see about having my pelvis broken and realigned. I am looking for someone who is experienced and talented with pelvic reconstruction surgeries and who is willing to give me the time to answer some questions I have.
I was referred to you by Dr. Stephen Sims' nurse. I was told you are personable and caring, as well as very intelligent and detail oriented. I am very much interested in meeting with you to discuss my situation and to ask you some questions.
I sent this attached standing 51" AP bilateral hip to ankle x-ray (which I marked), so that you can see my legs from hip to ankle are exactly even. My left tibia is 8mm shorter than the right, but my left femur is 8mm longer than the right. I used to have a structural leg length discrepancy in both my femur and tibia totaling 2.3 cm, which I had surgically corrected with a femoral lengthening (of 2.3 cm) done by Dr. Dror Paley. My point in sending this image is just to show that I do not have a leg length discrepancy at all, and in this image you can see my hips are perfectly level - just as a 'baseline' reference when looking at the pelvis deformity/displacement described above.
The degree of deformity I have might seem mild, especially upon a quick glance. Upon a closer look, and with measurements, the deformity is more revealed. For example, my whole pelvis is always rotated to the right to compensate for the internal rotation of the right hemipelvis. This brings my symphysis to the right of midline (as you can see in the attached standing x-ray). If the symphysis is centered in an image then the internal rotation of the right innominate bone is much more noticeable.
I recently had a CT of my pelvis, and in the CT my symphysis is to the right of midline as it always is when lying supine, just as it is when standing. I attached this original AP image here to show this. I also attached an image taken from the CT 3D rendering which is rotated a bit so that my symphysis is more centered with the coccyx (like a normal AP), to show the right hemipelvis internal rotation more clearly. Also attached is a PA image and an image from underneath showing more clearly the inferior ramus malunion.
Again, I realize this degree of asymmetry isn’t much compared to what is seen in acute broken pelvises in a trauma setting, but it is enough to cause me constant discomfort, and is difficult to live with, and I very much want to see about having it surgically corrected. I am aware that both superior and inferior pubic rami would need to be broken and fixation applied once realigned, and perhaps the sacrum would need to be broken as well. I would be prepared for this. I have a high pain tolerance, and will gladly endure the short term pain for the long term results of having my pelvis structurally symmetrical. As for recovery, my bones heal exceptionally fast. And, of course, I would do all physical therapy with zeal.
Sounds like I won’t be able to go back to work as a teacher at 2 weeks
Thank you for posting these! This is really helpful for planning when to have my surgery, and knowing what to expect
Thought of riding a bike? That's insanity.
Sorry but can you cut to the Chase is surgery worth it or not? yes or no?
Bro lol wtf