still pain after hip arthroscopy

[Sharonco]

Using an MRI arthrogram, I was finally diagnosed with a labral tear in my hip after 9 years of pain, severe at times.  I was limited in my activities; repetitive bending, sitting(especially on hard surfaces) and driving were the absolute worst.  For several years prior to my 2009 diagnosis, I had sought help from numerous medical professionals but nothing could be found.  

I had the hip arthroscopic surgery in Dec 2009.  I was told prior that pre op my pain would guide my activities and most patients do not need PT.  I did have some post op pain but I was off crutches within a day and went back to work within a week.  Immediately post op I also had numbness inside of my thigh and my genitals for about 4-5 weeks.  I could not lift my leg up, like to get in a car or put on your sock.  I worked at it and that got somewhat better but there is still pain.  After the numbness went away, my hip pain increased significantly.  I am a 46yo female with high pain tolerance and consider myself fairly active but I don't run marathons or anything similar.  I could do most anything prior to surgery, however not everything was painfree.  I am now almost 3 months post op, had 3 weeks of PT but still have pain.  Right now just sitting in my chair I have pain.  My range of motion in my affected hip has also decreased significantly.  MY PT strengthened the muscles around my hip.  I have tried stretching my hip(like butterfly/indian style sit) to increase range of motion but their is pain, more pain than a usual stretch.  And interesting enough, the pain will become severe the day following any of these types of stretches. My right hip and upper outside thigh are definitely bigger than the left side.  I've read that you can't see hip swellling.  

I don't feel the surgery was a success.  As of right now, I feel I have more pain and less range or motion.  Does anyone have ANY suggestions?  I need to get better and have a life again!  

[raze1225]

are you able to do a straight leg raise? i had a scope on R leg. and i didnt follow through with PT and went to walking far to early years later my tendonitis developed into tendonosis. Anti inflams didnt help. But an eccentric psoas workout in less than a week has noticabley helped

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Potential injury to normal structures and infections should be ruled out after surgery. Continued pain after the surgery like nerve injury is uncommon, but can be a significant problem. The most commonly affected nerves include the sciatic nerve the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve so follow up with your orthopedician and a neurologist for a proper diagnosis.

Take a second opinion if required.

Take care!