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pain, weak, numbness in the left leg, Help pls,

by 37241, Feb 13, 2008 07:09PM
One year ago the left leg especially the thigh bottom, the knee and the ankle feel pain after a short- walk, and difficult to life leg for going upstairs, and feel better after resting a while. Half years ago,
two legs both feel numbness, especially  at night or in the morning upon getting up, left leg will be more seriously. During the period, the left leg has more pain and more fatigue feeling.  It will be better  on some days than usual, but only suddenly on some day, and then the pain and numbness will continue always. I got X-ray showing my left hipbone is not developed well (my both hipbone
was dislocated when I was born, I could walk normally since 4 -5 years old after some physical treatment to these hipbones.), and MRI for my low back & EMG normal.
I just wonder any one can give me any idea? Natural dislocation would affect future leg function or not? Any ideas will be appreciated so much.
Member Comments (14)

by JainMD, Feb 14, 2008 01:20AM
To: 37241
Hi,
I feel your problem could be due to nerve compression at hip level or at the level of vertebrae.
Your symptoms suggest that you are having neuropathy and this neuropathy could be due to herniated disc or bulging disc.
MRI study is a must of your lower back and hip.
I assume what problem you had was Developmental Dysplasia of Hips.
Yes if this is not corrected then you would have gait problem and also leg dysfunction.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

by 37241, Feb 14, 2008 11:04AM
To: To JainMD
Thank you so much for your answer.
Besides the above, I found my left leg is thinner than the right leg (about 1.5 cm difference in the middle of thigh), my first doctor told me that the left side hip bone is also thinner after seeing the X-ray film. I went to see a doctor in Orthopedics  Department and did low back MRI and EMG, the doctor told me the MRI & EMG results are normal, and suggest me to go to Neurology Department for further check, do you think it is the right way? I just make an appointment for Neurology Doctor on March 6. Just wonder whether I should see the other doctor in Orthopedics Department or not before March? Because it is really a long time waiting for each next step check.
BTW, I came to USA about 4 years ago, do you know the insurance (HMO) would cover all the expense (if needing surgery) if my disease are caused by that not-well developed hip bone?
Again, thank you!

by 37241, Feb 14, 2008 11:04AM
To: To JainMD
Thank you so much for your answer.
Besides the above, I found my left leg is thinner than the right leg (about 1.5 cm difference in the middle of thigh), my first doctor told me that the left side hip bone is also thinner after seeing the X-ray film. I went to see a doctor in Orthopedics  Department and did low back MRI and EMG, the doctor told me the MRI & EMG results are normal, and suggest me to go to Neurology Department for further check, do you think it is the right way? I just make an appointment for Neurology Doctor on March 6. Just wonder whether I should see the other doctor in Orthopedics Department or not before March? Because it is really a long time waiting for each next step check.
BTW, I came to USA about 4 years ago, do you know the insurance (HMO) would cover all the expense (if needing surgery) if my disease are caused by that not-well developed hip bone?
Again, thank you!

by JainMD, Feb 14, 2008 11:21AM
To: 37241
Hi,
Considering the complexities of your problem, it would be nice that you be evaluated with help of neurologist.
I feel as the pathology appears to be due to compression of nerve, taking an opinion from neurologist is fine, though it does not matter whether the opinion is taken first or later.
I assumed that you have seen orthopaedician, if not then please visit one before you meet neurologist.
I am not sure about the insurance policies, but you can check out with an agent of same company.
I would like you to see an orthopaedician first and then visit a neurologist.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

by 37241, Feb 14, 2008 06:03PM
To: JainMD
Thank you so much for your analysis for my leg issue.
I did see one orthopaedician, who told me my hip bone, especially left side is not well developed after seeing my X-ray film, but donot think my problem is due to hip bone after checking my MRI & EMG test results, and then suggest me to go to see a neurologist. OK, I will do it. Just wonder whether I should look for the opinion from the other orthopaedicians meanwhile?
One more question about DDH, I surfed it online, and almost believe it is the cause for the discomfort. DDH seems very tough for adults, right? Do you have any idea on good treatment for DDH? I guess I need a surgery if it is true , right? Thank you,

by JainMD, Feb 15, 2008 06:53AM
To: 37241
Hi,
It is indeed my pleasure to be of some help in helping you find you the right treatment.
I think it is right and indeed helpful if you get a second opinion, since we would have different opinions on same symptoms.
DDH covers a spectrum of varying degrees of superolateral displacement of the femur and deformation of the acetabulum, developing mostly in utero or, rarely, in infancy.
It is indeed difficult if the diagnosis and treatment is not done in infancy.
As of now in adults I think surgery is the preferable mode of approach.
Yes surgery is a bright option.
The primary deformity is mostly acetabulum, for many patients, a reconstructive osteotomy that restores more nearly normal pelvic anatomy is preferable.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

by 37241, Feb 15, 2008 09:28AM
To: JainMD
Many thanks for your really helpful info.
I will try to figure it out and would like to let you know if any news,
and also still hope to get your advice later, thank you.

by 37241, Mar 04, 2008 04:48PM
To: JainMD
Hello,
I just came back from hospital seeing a orthopaedician, who diagnosed my left hip as 71515-OSTEOARTHROSIS, LOCALIZED, PRIMARY, PELVIC REGIN AND THIGH after checking my X-RAY films on hip bone.
And he ordered me for hip injection under fluroscopy: 2 cc kenalog and 5 cc 0.5% marcaine on tomorrow afternoon, and two weeks later I will go to see this doctor again. He told me I need a surgery in one or two years, he donot prefer to do operation right now because he told me surgery is not an easy thing. Do you think
it is good choice for me to do some injection before trying surgery?
I still have that appointment with one neurologist on March 6, do you think I still need to go? Thank you so much every time,

by 37241, Mar 05, 2008 08:26AM
To: JainMD
Could you please give me some suggestion?

by JUD2SKI, Mar 05, 2008 03:58PM
To: 37241