Angle of cup - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

Mich99 · 05-05-2005, 07:56 AM

Hi,

I'm new to this board. I had a THR on 3/28/05. I'm still limping and walking with a cane nearly 6 weeks post surgery. The PT I saw before surgery told me I would be walking without a cane 4 weeks post surgery.

I just saw the dr. and he said the ideal angle of the cup is 45 degrees. Mine is 62 degrees which means I have a better chance of dislocating it. I'm very disappointed and concerned and wondering if this angle is contributing to my limp. What are others' experiences with the angle of your cup (if your dr. told you what it is) and any issues - limping or dislocating as a result of it.

Thanks!

legtoolong · 05-05-2005, 08:11 PM

Hi,
I think you are a bit impatient--I am too. I was required to use a walker for 6 weeks since my implant was "press fit" not cemented, so I didn't expect to be free of it before that. Which type was yours? Are you still in physical therapy or doing your exercises? The limp is sometimes caused my muscle weakness. My second hip replacement was done Jan.6, 05 and I still have pain and it is more than I remember having 4 months after my first THR. My pain is related to my leg coming out 3/4" too long. I'm curious about the angle of the cup. My doc never told me what angle mine is. I read something on a website about cup placement being a possible reason for extra length in the leg. The article talked about placing the cup component in the wrong direction or too low on the pelvis. How is your leg length?

Mich99 · 05-06-2005, 07:06 AM

I had a ceramic implant. My leg length is OK. I'm still in physical therapy and have 3 sessions left. The therapist is looking into the cup placement to see what impact that has on my therapy. I'm going to see him this morning to see what he's found out.

I guess it's all about managing expectations. Maybe the PT I saw before surgery was too ambitious in thinking I would be walking without a cane and limp 4 weeks post surgery. Since this is all new to me, I really didn't know what to expect and have heard nothing but positive things from others who have family members or friends who went through this surgery.