Broken Hip?

johnny67 said:

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

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.

flapsupcleanup said:

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.

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?

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.

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.

johnny67 said:

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?

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.

flapsupcleanup said:

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.

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. 😉

sogood said:

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. 😉

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. 😉

flapsupcleanup said:

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. 😉

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.

matagi said:

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.

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

flapsupcleanup said:

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.

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.

sogood said:

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.

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:eek: ).
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😄

johnny67 said:

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.

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!

flapsupcleanup said:

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!

I wish you luck flapsupcleanup - i'm sure you'll be back racing by next season (you might have to sit this one out😄 )

I broke my hip in December of 2009 and have healed completely. I was able to stationary cycle much sooner and much more pain free then I was able to ride a bike outdoors.
However, I found lap swimming, as soon as I was able, to be a better therapy for the hip, knee and leg. I needed 8 weeks of physical therapy starting three weeks after the
surgery. My surgery was pretty much the same as yours. I was told not to jog by every doctor and physical therapist I saw.

I was an avid lap swimmer before the accident, which helped me to transition. The swimming, though highly aerobic and somewhat anaerobic, did not put pressure on any of the injured joints, and only hurt slightly for a few months. For the most part, it eased the pain (unlike the cycling, or walking). That was the best thing about it. Others, I've heard had great results from yoga.

My therapy consisted of doing weight strengthening with bands and ankle weights, progressing to nautilus type machines about a month after the injury. As you know, physical therapy was somewhat painful. I was 54 when the injury occurred and had the added problem of my knee locking on the injured leg which took long painful therapy to correct.
So I could not cycle until I could bend that leg almost fully. I made up for the inability to cycle a regular bike by moving the seat from a distance to gradually closer to the regular bicycling position as my knee gain more flexibility.

Long distance cycling, because of my age, has never been the same, but I was able to cycle long distance when I was in my best shape several months after the injury. I just had more knee pain and pain near the injury site than before. Since you are younger and a better cyclist you may have less of a problem with pain after you heal.

I'd be interested to know too.Do you think this happens?I have very little time.Until now, all I understood is exactly what happened to Floyd. He came back pretty good.

I fractured my hip 6 weeks (April 2013) ago hitting a rain filled pothole, I had the op the very next morning and had 3 cannulated screws fitted. i had x-rays today and I'm healing really well, the doc seems to think within a year I will be 99% recoverd to how I was before. As i'm only 37 I have a great chance of acheiving that.

I can't wait to get back on my road bike but I've been advised to stick to a bike in the gym for at least another 3 months to really heal the bone, plus swimming has been highly recommended too.I've also been looking at hip protection such as armor, you can get impact absorbant protection try looking at getgeared.com is really and ultimatebikegear.co.uk. has anyone else purchaed any such protection??

I fractured my hip 6 weeks (April 2013) ago hitting a rain filled pothole, I had the op the very next morning and had 3 cannulated screws fitted. i had x-rays today and I'm healing really well, the doc seems to think within a year I will be 99% recoverd to how I was before. As i'm only 37 I have a great chance of acheiving that.

I can't wait to get back on my road bike but I've been advised to stick to a bike in the gym for at least another 3 months to really heal the bone, plus swimming has been highly recommended too.I've also been looking at hip protection such as armor, you can get impact absorbant protection try looking at getgeared.com is really and ultimatebikegear.co.uk. has anyone else purchaed any such protection??

Loaded1975 said:

I fractured my hip 6 weeks  (April 2013) ago hitting a rain filled pothole, I had the op the very next morning and had 3 cannulated screws fitted. i had x-rays today and I'm healing really well, the doc seems to think within a year I will be 99% recoverd to how I was before. As i'm only 37 I have a great chance of acheiving that. I can't wait to get back on my road bike but I've been advised to stick to a bike in the gym for at least another 3 months to really heal the bone, plus swimming has been highly recommended too.I've also been looking at hip protection such as armor, you can get impact absorbant protection try looking at getgeared.com is really and ultimatebikegear.co.uk. has anyone else purchaed any such protection??

Nope. I, too, fractured my hip in a bike crash. The surgical repair was done later at night, and the repair was completed with a pin, plate, and 4 screws. I was in physical therapy within a couple of a weeks and on an indoor bike not long after. At 6 weeks I was cleared to ride a bike and did so outside. I continued PT for other 3 months. At 3 months I was riding 150-ish miles a week. Neither my surgeon nor my PT made any suggestions about protective gear. I don't see the need for it. My experience, however, is my own just as my opinion is.