Hi Everyone,
This is my very first post on any online forum so forgive me if I miss anything or drone on too much!
I am now 16 weeks post op from a microfracture operation to treat a 3 cm2 grade IV full thickness articular cartilage damage, involving the roof of my acetabulum. This was caused by many years of sporting activity with FAI in both hips. I understand from online sources that 3 cm2 full thickness is a very large defect and some sites even state it's too big to attempt microfracture?!
I guess I was hoping that by now (4 months post op) I'd be a bit more advanced with my recovery than I am. So what I'm trying to do is get in touch with people who've been treated for a similar amount of hip damage and make sure I'm at the appropriate stage of rehab.
I have followed rehab procedure strictly (6 weeks 0% weight bearing. 4 further weeks 25% weight bearing. CPM machine 3 hours daily for first 6 weeks. Physio work concentrating on core and glutes etc.).
SO... THE STAGE I'M AT NOW IS:
I am walking without crutches but not for distances of more than maybe 10 minutes before I start limping slightly so need crutches again. I am able to use a static bike and exercise for around 15 minutes on a medium intensity. I often experience a dull strong pain in my hip joint at night and first thing when I wake. My hip regularly pops/twinges/clicks (not sure of correct term, but a bit like when your knee or elbow pops/clicks when you stand up or sit down) - when this happens it's painful for a split second but then settles down again.
MY QUESTION TO FELLOW HIP MICROFRACTURE PATIENTS IS... IS THIS NORMAL AT 4 MONTHS POST OP?
I have read some website that say I should be walking much further distances or even be 100% pain free by now and completely without crutches.
Another question is... how many years should this microfracture give me before a THR may be necessary? I've totally given up running, football, tennis and other impact sports.
Another thing I should say is that I am also being treated for a herniated/slipped disc in my L5 lower back - most likely as a result of using crutches for so long - and certainly not helping with my hip recovery
YOUR HELP AND ADVICE IS HUGELY APPRECIATED. Please let me know if you require any further information or indeed if you feel I can help you in any way at all,
Kindest Regards,
Liam