Riding after hip replacement

[kaddy]

I ride quite a sharp, excitable mare and like jumping, hunting etc. But now my damaged left hip - which never used to be much affected by riding - is beginning to get seriously grindy, and is wearing out basically.

Has anyone here carried on riding after a hip replacement/ resurfacing operation? and can you do very much beyond just quiet hacks out on a sensible horse? It's a sad prospect to give uo entirely.

 

[Alibear]

Hi , the chap I bought Mac off had , had both his hips replaced and was still doing everything with Mac inc Adv Medium dressage. So I would think you would be fine once recovered from the operation.

 

[luane1]

A guy I know had one hip replaced and then rode again he ended up having the other one done also as he discovered he was having problems mounting until they were both even and now he hunts etc.

 

[Moggy]

There is a special type of replacement that suits riding. Sorry cant remember what it's called but ask your consultant.

 

[filly190]

It would depend on each individual case and particularly the type of surgery and your age. After a hip replacement, you need to have a raised toilet seat and other things to prevent the hip from popping out. The recovery from the surgery is very good, my mum has just had two done, but six months on still cant tie her own shoe laces.

I would speak to the surgeon and find out the prospects so that you can look at the situation long term and adjust your life accordingly. I know lots of people that have had them done (customers of mine), but they are all of the older age group. Their difficulties afterwards have been, getting in and out of the bath and getting in and out of the car, the seat being too low down. I dont personally know any, because of the age group that are riders. I do know they are all encouraged to go swimming to strengthen the muscles.

Good luck

 

[lotty73]

Hi Kaddy. I'm a physiotherapist so feel able to give you a bit of advice. Firsty hip replacement are improving all the time and now have longer shelf lives! Depending on your age and fitness there are different types of replacement and if it came to you needing the op it would be worth your while finding a consultant with at least a basic understaning of riding. The problems post op are A, loosening andB,dislocation. To avoid loosening you would have to be careful re mounting/dismounting. To avoid dislocation you must not bend your hip beyond a right angle or take it across the midline so actually the riding position is fine. You would have to do alot of work on your gluteals and deep stabilising muscles afterwards but after the initial settling in period you should be fine as long as the op goes well!!! Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps. Let me know if you need any more info!!!
P.S it may not come to a replacement. Have you had x-rays? Sometimes an arthroscopy and washout can do wonders.

 

[Thistle]

Our hunt sec has had both hips replaced. She has a nice small horse or two (she is a small lady) and hunts 2 or 3 days a week during the season.