Broken Hip?

johnny67

Just wonderin' if anyone out there has a story/advice about returning to cycling after suffering a broken hip (fractured neck of femur)?

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Creakyhip

flapsupcleanup

I would be interested in hearing also. Did you have that happen? I did, very recently. So far all I have figured out is that is exactly what happened to Floyd. He came back pretty well.

johnny67

Yep, I broke my hip and had it repaired with 3 cannulated screws about 2 years ago. Recuperation for me has been slow and I've been advised that running is now unadvisable. Although I have no problems with it now apart from the odd twinge, I still have to have 6 monthly MRI scans in order to check for avascular necosis (the condition that Floyd developed).
I want to regain my previous cycling form but without knowing what sort of long term damage I might do, I'm just riding easy. What I really need is a definative answer or some reassurance from others in my position that its ok to take my training to the next level and begin to 'push hard' again just like Floyd!! - who, regardless of the controversy. is still one brave rider to do what he did given his genuine handicap.
I hope your recovery goes well and your back on your bike soon but tell me, how long ago did your accident happen and what was the cause?
What type of fracture did you have and how was it repaired?

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Creakyhip

matagi

A good start would be to find a sports physiotherapist who understands cycling. They could then get you started on a rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and flexibility and get you back on your bike.

Sorry I can't be more helpful than that.

sogood

There are different forms of hip fracture, methods of treatment as well as levels of recovery. So you'll have to be more specific. As above, an assessment by an expert in the field would be most appropriate. By in general I don't see much inhibition once it's healed up well. Leg length variation may be an issue though, so bike fit may require checking by an expert.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

flapsupcleanup

My accident was recent, caused by two riders tangling up in front of me and me having no place to go. It sounds identical to yours, fracture of the femoral neck, repaired with 3 screws. The surgery was done very quickly after the accident, around 5 hours. The surgeon said no weight bearing activity for 4-6 weeks. I asked about gentle easy spinning on a recumbent trainer and he advised against that, saying "let it heal first". I will find out more next week when I meet with the followup doc. They want me to keep limber and it seems like easy spinning would help that. Actually, I already did that some and it felt pretty good, but I'm going to wait for further advice. I dont like to run anyway so that is no problem.

He told me there was a 50/50 chance of developing the avascular necrosis and I would just have to wait and see. What were you told?

Also, how soon could you walk again, and how long to riding? Any limping??

My understanding is that cycling (not falling ) is very low stress on the femur/hip and once the break is healed there should be no problem pushing as hard as you are able. Floyd fell in 2002, I think? He had to have been pushing hard long before the TdF.

sogood

Maybe you should do some walking, running or weights at some future point to specifically strengthen your bones. Maybe another similar fall would not land you in the same hot water.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

flapsupcleanup

Thanks. But it was a hard fall, unfortunately. I am (was ) a strong Cat4 who could frequently ride with the 3's. I dont think my bone strength was the issue as much as the impact. I doubt that if Floyd had done some walking it would have kept his from fracturing.

sogood

Well, it was just a general reminder of the deficiency of our preferred sport. Bone density loss is a known issue for long time cyclists unless covered by other activities.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

johnny67

Thanks for the reply, yes I think your advise is sound and I have considered seeking professional advice from a more sympathetic ear, however private consultations tend to be expensive, whereas the orthopaedic consultant who carried out my procedure should sureley have some idea as to what a repaired joint can or cannot do. - I have an appointment with him in about 4 weeks at which time I'll try to pin him down to get an answer.

Again, thanks for the reply

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Creakyhip

johnny67

I was non weight bearing for at least six weeks, after which time, a series if scans showed that the bone was repairing well and i was then allowed to 'toe touch' whilst walking with crutches. This toe touch walking continued for another 2 - 3 weeks with me applying a little more weight as time went by, then I progressed to placing my foot flat and walking with just one crutch. The whole point of this slow transition back to flat foot walking is to allow the fracture to heal but at the same time apply some weight bearing to encourage bone to be deposited and increase density.
I threw away the crutch about 12 weeks after the accident and continued to walk with a slight limp which was just due to a little stiffness and my unwillingness to trust my bad hip to bear my full weight. At this point, I did start spinning on a ststic bike at the gym with a low resistance which really helped to loosen my hip up.
About 8 months after my accident, I was pretty much back to normal but my hip still had bad days and it was easy to over do it on the bike.
Fast forward to now, 2 years after the accident (anniversary on May 1st) and most days I forget that I ever had the accident, I'm back on my road bike and starting to get the miles in.
I've been given the option to have the screws removed, but as I see it, if they're not causing a problem then why bother.
The only thing I am really worried about is falling again on the same hip, but I have been skiing since the accident (against doctors orders!!) and all was ok.

My advice to you would be to listen to your doctor, dont try to rush your recovery. Keep up your calcium intake whilst you're mending. I also took the suppliment glucosamine which helps joints.
Make sure you get continued check ups to rule out avascular necrosis the symptoms of which can develop some 2 to 3 years after your accident.
Floyd was unlucky with the way his recovery went, but if he can do what he did with a non-functioning hip, I think I can put up with a twinge every now and then!!
Good luck with the recovery - it will take time but cannot take risks and rush it. Your hip joint is one of, if not the most important joints in your body.

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Creakyhip

johnny67

Thanks for the advice, FYI:

Fracture was a Garden grade III (partially displaced fracture). I was 37 years of age at the time of the accident so fortunately young enough for my doctors to consider a repair rather than a replacement. The operation was carried out within 8 hours of the accident. The repair consists of 3 cannulated screws which can remain in place fo the life of the joint (or its owner ).
All of my subsequent scans and xrays have indicated an excellent repair, with bone density having returned to the pre accident levels and no sign of necrosis.
I'm planning to go to Condor cycles in London in a week or two to be measured for a new frame (my 40th present to myself), so hopefully any descrepancy in leg length will show up.
I don't limp when I walk and I have no back pain, so I'm hoping my leg is still the same length

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Creakyhip

flapsupcleanup

Thanks, Johnny67. That's just the info I was looking for. I go in for the first followup check next monday and I hope I will come out of that armed with a lot more information. Good luck on yours!