Question
Hi, My names Dave, im 25 and recently under went a full metel on metel hip replacement. I have found how ever that I cannot for some reason straighten my leg, post op. Its been 3 weeks and it feels like a huge pressure in my groin area. I have had an ultra sound, and a XRAY non of which found any reason for the problems. Is this muscle related due to me having a bad hip for so many years or is it more. Thanks

Answer
Hi Dave

When you say you had your surgery "recently", that's a vague time slot.  Latter in your email you say you "it's been three weeks", so I am going to assume you had surgery about a month ago.

I also don't know know what your condition was prior to surgery, but most THR patients have some sort of muscle atrophy (muscle weakness) prior to surgery and there after surgery as well.  When a hip is put in, a large muscle must be cut and it takes time to heal from that.  

If your diagnostic tests show that there is nothing wrong with the prosthesis, your pain is probably muscle related.  Have your doctor check your leg length, ask the doctor if you might have some nerve damage from the surgery (nerve damage can take up to 18 months to heal), and ask if you can have extended physical therapy to work on the muscles.  Don't push yourself to do things your body is not ready to do.

Try exercising in the pool, even water walking is a good thing to do.

I wish you the best.

Sharon