Hip labral tear/Arthroscopic surgery/Can anyone relate?

[LRiz]

As some of you know, a little over two weeks ago I tweaked my right hip pretty badly while out running. After suffering through a miserable week (during which time the doctor thought I had a stress fracture), I was ultimately diagnosed with a hip labral tear.

I was wondering if anyone on here has had experience with this sort of injury. My orthopedist down in Nashua has told me that it's unlikely I will ever be able to hike/run again without pain unless I undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the cartilage. From what I've read online, the outcome of this surgery seems to vary pretty immensely from person to person... with, unfortunately, not a lot of great outcomes.

It's been 15 days since I was able to run, and things don't seem to be getting any better on that front. I have, however, noticed quite a bit of improvement in my walking - Namely, I've gone from barely being able to get around without a noticeable limp, to being able to walk almost normally with just minimal (though nagging) pain. This makes me hopeful that I WILL be able to hike again - maybe soon? - without undergoing this surgery.

I guess I'm just pretty confused right now and looking for advice. I have made an appointment to see a specialist down at MGH, but the earliest they can see me is on the 21st.

Hiking plays such a huge part in my life, and not being able to get out and enjoy the mountains has been immensely tough.

 

[una_dogger]

I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am relieved you are taking it head on, because as your doctor may have told you, earlier decisions can improve outcomes.
I would look to the literature of atheletes, check PubMed.. I put you in the class of ultra athelete, even though you haven't been in competitions, you are doing the equivalent of one...I would stress comparing yourself to those cases in your effort to come to a decision..

PM me if you'd like me to ask around about surgeons, etc...

Be well! It will be OK.

 

[Becca M]

Sorry for your suffering - what a terrible nightmare!!! I can relate a little after a hip/pelvis injury I got last winter from falling down wet stairs.... anyway, I would make sure the dr is a specialist with sports injuries. I'd wonder what the impact is of delaying surgery (especially when as you say the outcomes have been so varied) - would there be long-term damage?

The good news is that you can walk a little more - maybe with less pain? Can you try to walk a short/flat trail that will get you outside at least something to expose you to nature/the forest but without any risk? There are many little-used flat trails in the whites which you might be able to explore.... HANG IN THERE!!!

 

[DougPaul]

Ouch! My hiking is still greatly limited following an accident two and a half years ago. It is a bit frustrating...

I found the following online textbook of orthopaedics to be a very useful source of info: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho...F-8&q=hip+labral+tear&sa.x=0&sa.y=0&sa=Search

You may need a medical dictionary to help you understand it (I certainly did ): http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/

Good luck with it.

Doug

 

[audrey]

Definitely, make sure the specialist deals with athletes. There is sometimes a double standard in orthopedics that dictates the intervention based on your activity level.

Age and gender may play a role too, in the decisions that a physician makes. Be vocal about your needs! Good luck, keep us informed.

 

[Paradox]

I would consider swimming. It will not agrivate the injury, and is great for the cardiovascular system. The views in a pool are lousy, but snorkling/scuba diving is a whole new world.

I would consider bicycling, it may be tough on the injury depending on the location of the tear but there will certainly be less pounding and weight on the hip area. The seat can create problems in the hip area for some.

Heal well and best of luck to you.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I shopped around until I found a orth who dealt with athletes for my knees. It is definitely the right thing to do. LRiz already heard this from me but in case anyone else may benefit, I'll repeat it here.

Tim

 

[bobandgeri]

Ditto what Tim said. Also be very clear with them about the intensity of your running and hiking - as Sabrina said, you in the ultra athelete class, but they won't know unless you explain it to them - not a time for modesty!

 

[MarkJ]

Definitely get more than one opinion.When I was about your age a surgeon pretty much wrecked my athletic career,leaving me to deal with a bumb foot for the rest of my life.Is your brother on the track team?,maybe the Milford track coach could suggest somone.He's definitely a top athlete.

 

[DrJJFate]

LRiz, injury appears to be the only obstacle to have slowed you down. You really have been a wonder on the trails over the past year. Congrats on all of your accomplishments.

A close friend of mine is an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on athletes/sports medicine. If you would like his contact info, I would be happy to provide it.

 

[Chip]

LRiz, that sucks. No other way to put it. As others have said get several opinions. I'd second the advice about swimming, dull as mud, but it's great therapeutic exercise. Road biking, to me, is less exercise with more risk. If you like bikes, do stationary or better - laps in a grassy field or yard. FWIW, not that you want to hear this right now, but I can't run to save my life - too jarring on my feet, ankles and knees, but that has not affected my hiking, biking or swimming. Good luck.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

Hi:

Long time no see. A least a year an a half I think. I've loved following your many adventures. I was told back in the beginning of August that I had just missed seeing you pass through, it was Moosilauke I think.

Anyway, the injuries may be different, but I think many of us have had a similar diagnosis from a doctor: "Your hiking days are over, find something else to do." I was given that message a couple of year ago when I injured a knee. I've since redone the 48 with Lauky, thanks to toughing it out a bit and an extended period on Celebrex which thankfully is now no longer necessary.

I agree with what the others have said. Find a doctor who understands both the injury and also what's going on in your head and heart. Chin up, you'll be back out there again. Our thoughts are with you.

 

[roadtripper]

You may want to reach out to runner's clubs/forums/organizations to find some others who have delt with this. Running and hockey seem to be the two sports that cause this type of injury the most (per several doctors I have spoken to; I experienced a minor hip laberal tear two years ago from running)

Here is an excellent source of information from runners who have experienced this:
http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/Forum11/HTML/008480.shtml

Good Luck!

 

[Fisher Cat]

I would consider swimming. It will not agrivate the injury, and is great for the cardiovascular system. The views in a pool are lousy, but snorkling/scuba diving is a whole new world.

I agree, swimming is one of my favorite pastimes now. At least twice a week and more if possible. Great cardio, minimal impact.

I shopped around until I found a orth who dealt with athletes for my knees. It is definitely the right thing to do. LRiz already heard this from me but in case anyone else may benefit, I'll repeat it here.

Tim

I did the same thing Tim. Shopping for a surgeon is just like hiring someone to do any other kind of job. If you are not comfortable with them, find another. No one says you have to stick with a surgeon till the bitter end, you can release them and find another. Helping the surgeon appreciate what you be plan on doing 1,5, or 10 years down the road (by that I mean physical activity) helps them appreciate how seriously you take this. I found a surgeon where I am whose work I will never forget. He did a complete ACL reconstruction and I have never had a problem. Course, it helps that he was the former surgeon for Tony Dorsett. A little hard to swallow as I am a life-long Steelers fan. Pre and post communication with the doc is essential.

 

[MichaelJ]

Lots of great words here about your next steps; however, don't forget when all is said and done to get a good, solid opinion of why it probably happened, so you can avoid it happening again in the future.

 

[PETCH]

Being redundant here, but definately focus in on an Ortho-Doc who specializes in sports injuries and if possiible has experience on this particular injury. The good thing about getting "scoped" (trying to look on the brighter side)- recovery time is generally a fraction of conventional surgery.
Good luck to you
Petch

 

[michael]

According to the Mayo Clinic website a Hip labral tear seldom occurs in isolation and it suggests that there could be further injuries associated with the hip joint.

The article identifies the twisting and pivoting motions as the primary culprit, which given the amount of mountain and trail activity you engage as well as running certainly puts you in the higher risk category – as it does for many of us.

Make sure that the symptoms do not distract from consideration of other factors such as a structural injury. Maybe you took a good digger in the last year that otherwise seemed ‘routine’? In my world diggers are the norm!
But your MRI would probably have found that were it obvious.

Perhaps long term rest and doses of ibuprofen??

 

[roadtripper]

Lots of great words here about your next steps; however, don't forget when all is said and done to get a good, solid opinion of why it probably happened, so you can avoid it happening again in the future.

100% agree with this - get your "running gait" examined. Find an outstanding physical therapist to help with this. Physical therapy can also show you 10+ excellent stretching exercises to do with your hips. I've been doing this and my tear has been less painful.

 

[LRiz]

Thank you so much for the kind words, suggestions, and advice. I've done some more research into the doctor I'm seeing at Mass General. Man, was I thrilled to find out that he's pretty much THE guy to see regarding hip arthroscopies in the Northeast. It sounds like the surgery is still relatively new, and that finding a doctor who specializes in it is key. 10 days seems so far off, though. Nevertheless, I'm trying to stay as positive as I can. The good news is that I've already had x-rays and an MRI arthrogram done, so I can bring those right in for my first appointment.

I've also scheduled an appointment to see my orthopedist in Nashua again this Monday. Given that she delivered my diagnosis over the phone (in about a 5 minute conversation), I've still got a lot of questions that I'd like to ask her... mostly regarding the extent of the tear, what I can/cannot do at this point. I'd also like to see my MRI images for myself, which I need to pick up from her office as it is so that I can bring them over to MGH on the 21st.

It's all of the waiting that's killing me right now. One thing I've learned from this setback is that I have very few interests outside of hiking, running, and appreciating the outdoors. Having to sit around with little activity is so hard! I really must try to find some additional hobbies to keep me sane.

I did try to go for a walk earlier today, but couldn't make it for more than a mile. That's better than 2 weeks ago, though. Baby steps. I'm an absolutely terrible swimmer, but if it's the only activity I am cleared to do you can bet I'll take it.

 

[loanshark]

hip injury

There are many good doctors in the area. However, I don't think you can find more good doctors in one place than at Mass. General. I would definately feel good about that hospital.