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Recovery from a hip injury

Riding with helmet and high viz on a cycle path. The dog came hurtling out of the undergrowth to my left straight into my front wheel. The bike threw me off and in a split second I was on the deck in extreme pain. Para medics came eventually and after a few hours of painful transport, I found myself in a specialist pelvic injuries unit in Bristol. My thigh bone had gone through my hip joint (the acetabular). Brilliant surgeons have rebuilt my hip but now I face 6 weeks of light pressure on the leg (on crutches). My question is this - has anyone else experienced damage to the hip like this and how long before even a bit of gentle cycling could be contemplated?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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Portex | 9 years ago
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It's now 12 weeks since the accident. I can now begin to answer some of my own original question. Physio at local hospital has now almost completed. Tried an exercise bike at the hospital gym - all ok, very easy, no pain.
Now have turbo trainer - doing a few miles each day with no ill effects. Looking good. Still on light pressure on leg but the cycling action really efficacious.

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Portex | 9 years ago
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Thanks for all the comments guys. Have spoken to the physio and he was very encouraging about getting cycling again and 6 to 8 weeks seems to be the time scale before some very gentle action. Am considering getting a turbo trainer. Very interested to hear that my injury is not unique! Luckily I suffered no other injuries in the crash so it simplifies it somewhat.

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LotteJ | 9 years ago
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I fractured my head of femur and acetabulum in late October. I swerved an operation but was completly non weight bearing for 3 months as a result. 2 days after being told I could start to walk again I was on the turbo and was given the go ahead to ride outdoors (carefully) in February. Every one is different and you just have to listen to what your consultant advises frustrating as it can be.

I would say I'm starting to overtake my fitness pre crash now though and I am doing the Etape in July. Having a serious injury really gets you focused! You can get over it pretty quickly. However if I was a runner, I still wouldn't be running. Walking long distance does cause me some discomfort. It's when I am cycling I can forgot I am still recovering from an injury.

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Forester | 9 years ago
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The good news is that cycling puts a lot less pressure on the hip joint than running. I fractured my pelvis and had some acetabular damage exactly a year ago and have just done a 112km ride (at a slower speed than previously). I started with a turbo trainer, as I had a nasty collar bone break, just turning the pedals gently to start with, and gradually built up. I think 8 weeks from the injury should be OK. There may also be some confidence issues, so don't rush it! Good luck.

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BigAl68 | 9 years ago
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I personally had a total hip replacement in mid September and got the go ahead from my physio after 4 weeks for gentle cycling. I was back doing my 20 mile commute by mid November. Treated myself to a new bike this spring to celebrate not being in pain constantly anymore. Get advice would from your physio and build up slowly is my best advice

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Super Domestique | 9 years ago
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Can't add more than all the best with the recovery.

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giff77 | 9 years ago
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I would listen to your consultant and your physio mate. Everyone heals at different rates depending on injury, health etc. Just need to be patient and do as your bid. I've been off the bike for 4 weeks now and it's looking like I'll not be on for another 4 weeks.

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giff77 | 9 years ago
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I would listen to your consultant and your physio mate. Everyone heals at different rates depending on injury, health etc. Just need to be patient and do as your bid. I've been off the bike for 4 weeks now and it's looking like I'll not be on for another 4 weeks.

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Jack Osbourne snr | 9 years ago
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Can't give you any advice either professional or experiential... but from one crock to another...

All the best for a full and speedy recovery. Hope you're back on the road soon.

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