Question
Hi Dr. Davis,

I had a accident while riding my bike Sept 13th, I was riding on a trail crossing a wooden bridge (wet..it rained earlier in the day)and fell on my right hip and then hit my head.I am glad to say I always wear a helmet, I broke the helmet but saved the head.Anyways I fractured my right hip, and was told they would save it by putting a plate and screws to hold it together.The Dr, told me it would be a very slow recovery, at least 5 weeks before I could drive my car and even worse I would not be able to ride my bike till March.It is now coming upon 4 weeks since the surgery and I using a walker to get around and I am becoming more and more depressed about the recovery process.and not getting any answers from the surgen/Dr. about how long it will take for full recoverery? I would like to know what to expect along the way to recovery..like where should be at week 4 , week 5 etc. I have also now developed pain in my right knee.I am thinking maybe because I walk differently so not to hurt the hip, has caused this pain to develop.Thank you for answer you may have. Paul

P.S. I am 47 years old...if it makes a difference ?? and ride my bike on average 5,000 miles a year, and this was my first bike accident.

Answer
Paul

First of all, I am not a doctor, I don't believe that anything in my profile leads anyone to think I have a medical degree, so you may have mis-read something.

Secondly, you sustained a bad injury.  I understand the depression as that is a result of being dependent on others where you were once independent.  That will get better as you heal.  The main thing is not to rush your recovery.  You need to heal and that can take time.  You may want to consider counseling and/or medication for depressino until you are more independent, that really does make a difference and once you become more independent you can ease off the medication.

The hip, knee, back and thigh all can be affected when you sustain a hip injury and you are correct in assuming that your uneven gait is affecting your other body parts.  Since you are on a walker, you need to wait a bit more time to heal.  Once you are off the walker, have your doctor measure your hips to ascertain that your legs are the same length.  Sometimes pins can alter the the length of the leg and if your legs are uneven, that can cause pain, such as the pain you are describing.  Even a difference of 1/2 inch can cause pain.

You are still young, and apparently in good shape, so I think the issue is giving yourself time to fully heal.  If you do not think your doctor is giving you correct information, you should seek a second opinion at a large teaching hospital.  That way with a second opinion, you can weigh all your options.

Sharon