Is it possible to get answers out there?

[Lonnascalif]

I'm begainning to think all these forums out there are all b.s. Nobody gives any straight answers to anyone. I had a THR 15 yrs ago and up untill last Sept it was fine. It started popping out of joint so I went to a "referred Doctor" and was told I need a revision surgery because the socket has dislodged. Blue Cross had a hard time finding a doctor to do this revision surgery and mind you I'm in pain here waiting for them to find someone. Finally they did find someone and the surgery was done. Question #1 After my original surgery, my operated leg ended up being shorter than my normal leg which I hear is common. After the revision surgery my legs are both the same lenth. I asked the doctor 2 seperate times how he did this and his answer was (magic) any real answers out there?
Also, in January's follow up visit, after reviewing the recent x-rays the doctor tells me it looks like the new sockit has moved even though he put a screw in it into my pelvis. I asked how that can be possible? He answer me with I don't know. What the hell kind of answer is that? I am in constant pain anytime I put any wait on it. The doctor told  me in Jan. that he could go back in and put a larger socket in and resecure it better, but on my most recent visit he said he didn't want to do that because it could end up worse than it is now. Question # 2 Beings I don't have the experience in this field, can someone give me an answer to this? How it can move after being scewed into my pelvis?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Well infection is a complication possible after most surgeries. I would suggest you get another radiologist to look at your X-rays and comment on the quality of the bone in the hip area and the position of the screw. Yes, your GP  is right. Revision surgeries are mostly not successful. Request your GP to get you a good referral.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[Lonnascalif]

Thanks for your reply, I have a follow up appt with this Surgeon next week and was going to ask him if I can have copies of the x-rays. He has them on computer so I was going to bring a couple of CDs and one of those memory sticks I have. Do you know if it is likely that he will give me the x-rays?
Also your comment on finding a good doctor in my area. That is alot easier said than done. When I mention revision, they don't want anything to do with it. My GP told me that they hardly ever come out right anyway, Is that true? One other thing I was wondering about, Do you know how common infection is with Hip replacements? I never had one but have been tested twice for infection.
Thanks for your time

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
It is difficult to answer without looking at the X-rays. However if the screw is not in place then it will not be able to hold the joint in place. This happens either when the bone is not in a good shape to hold the screws or when the surgery has not been performed well.
I would advise you to look for a sports medicine specialist in your area. Another possibility is to get a referral to a good orthopedic doctor.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!