How long will I be out of work?
Sedentary work can be resumed in one to two weeks. Labor intensive work maybe eight to 12 weeks.
One week as long as your feeling well enough and are off narcotics.
Will there be any rehab involved?
Yes, relatively intense for two to three weeks and then as needed for as much as two to three months.
How long before I can exercise?
Stationary bike and elliptical are a part of the rehab and may begin as soon as one week.
During surgery, will I be put under?
Yes but you do not have to be. A spinal is possible but not recommended.
Will I have crutches after surgery, how long will I use them?
Yes, at least two weeks and maybe six weeks. Your rehabilitation progress, as well as the extent of the tear and/or associated problems, will determine the weaning process.
What kind of restrictions will I have after surgery?
You will be non-weight bearing (on crutches) for five to seven days and progress to partial and full weight bearing as tolerated. This will be altered or slowed slightly if articular cartilage problems are found and treated.
Is it possible that I have damaged cartilage? Will you find this out prior to or during surgery?
Yes. As hip arthroscopy techniques become more refined the incidence and ability to treat cartilage problems are both increasing. The presence of cartilage lesions (articular cartilage) is specifically defined at the time of surgery.
Conservative care is always an option. If you follow a conservative treatment plan of active rest, stretching and strengthening, the pain and swelling may go down. If however, you have a labral tear which is a mechanical issue, the pain and swelling will return once you return to your chosen sport.
Will surgery prevent further damage to the ligament/cartilage? What are the chances of reoccurrence?
Surgery is done for pain and to reduce worsening of the tear. There is no assurance that a recurrent tear will not occur. Recurrent tears are, however, unusual.
How much could the pain subside without surgery?
The pain may wax and wane, but likely would not decrease significantly or for an extended period of time without surgical intervention.
All activities, even rolling over in bed can cause hip stresses. The most important exercises are ones which create normal flexibility about your hip and normal, protective strength.
What are the chances that I could feel worse after the surgery?
Though feeling worse after surgery is always a possibility, the incidence of that is very small.
Is there anything I can do to give me any relief now? Ice and heat seem to only do so much.
Pain medications can be ordered but are not recommended prior to surgery. Anti-inflammatories (Advil) and Tylenol mixed together are often better than either alone.