Hutch, wondering if you would feel comfortable to know how you are doing currently? It sounds like you are very active and would represent a good outcome!
I had surgery almost exactly a month ago and am doing well. I had a labral tear (almost torn in two) in my right hip. They were able to repair the tear and shaved a bit of the bone (to make sure the problem that caused the tear does not return). My surgeon was Dr. Ayeni out of Hamilton and he was wonderful. It was a long, frustrating wait…6 months for the consult and over a year for the surgery (I know the waits are longer now), but in hindsight worth it. I am now in physio and am recovering well. Had 2 1/2 weeks on crutches (no weight bearing), and over the past weeks have progressed from one crutch to just a cane. I still get stiff but am not experiencing anywhere near the pain I had previous to the surgery. I am not back to work yet (i work in childcare). I was worried like you that I had an issue with my other hip as well but after having an MRI with dye done on it, my surgeon has said that although there may be something there, it is not surgical at this time and he thinks with strengthening, it will not cause me much trouble. Hope this information helps you.
I had a mosaicplasty (think bone graft) on my femoral head, labrum got cut (repair was not possible) and cam impingement got fixed.
9 weeks later I can swim, bike without resistance, I cannot run nor jog yet. Swimming helps a lot, rowing works as well.
I had it done abroad ($10000 altogether, in debts for years…), better timing would probably had it covered by OHIP but decisions had to be made quickly to go back to normal and somehow ‘salvage’ whatever would be left of my 2014 season .
Your labrum fix could also be covered if you can have 2 or 3 surgeons stating they cannot operate before a ‘reasonable’ amount of time.
Be super patient though and get cracking on the paperwork asap if you are considering out of province surgery.
Labrum turned out to be the least of my worries and since surgery the pain is almost completely gone (the labrum one that is).
Rebuilding my quad is a painstaking process, 4 weeks without load-bearing positions on my left leg did some serious damage.
Hyaluronic acid provides relief until surgery (good for 6 months) It is about $400 (not covered) but it worked for me and allowed me to make it in more or less one piece till surgery.
Voilà,
if you have any questions don’t be stranger.
How are you doing now post op? I too, have been diagnosed w Labral tear after Several months of hip pain/stiffness. Set up for a cortisone shot next month as I await patiently or more impatiently to see dr yanni in Hamilton. I understand the wait to be long and surgery longer…no cycling; minimal running 
sucks
I’m doing really well!! Hope the cortizone shot works for you…they told me it would last 3 months and it felt great at first - no pain at all for a month but that was it.
I did wait quite a while for the surgery with Dr. Ayenni in Hamilton. In hindsight, it was worth the wait! I am now about 7 weeks post surgery and feel wonderful!!! I still get achy but the pain is nothing compared to the stabbing I used to feel beforehand. I have been in physiotherapy since the end of November and my therapist says I am doing very well…I now only use my walking stick outside (due to the snow), inside I don’t need it anymore.
You’re right about no running for a while but I do use a stationary bike every day (when I can). I have already been able to do somethings that I have not been able to do in years (since the pain began) like squat down and not need help getting up…a small thing but exciting to me!
I know how frustrating the wait is, but now, post-op, I can honestly say hang in there! it is worth the wait!!
The surgery itself was ok…painful right after but the recovery has been much quicker than I expected!! I was told initially that it could be up to 6 months before I go back to work (childcare), now they are thinking more like less than 3.
Hope this info helps…feel free to ask me anything else…
6 months? geez - I was hoping for 6 weeks!!! I get a lot of pinching but mostly down the hamstring and sitting cross legged I get very stiff. I can still run but minimal amounts per sports doc - small tear and he said the benefits outweigh the risks. For sanity sake, I need to do that minimal amount! I thought the cycling would aggravate it more, but I will get my bike on the trainer and see. Are you in Hamilton? I’m travelling from Mississauga and am currently doing physio but not sure I’m at the right place. I’m glad to hear you are recovering quite well and I hope that I can get in sooner rather than later but we know the healthcare system and with the few doctors that perform this surgery, I think that may be wishful thinking. thanks for the info on the cortisone shot - I thought it would last right through - again wishful thinking 
Did you do much research prior - on both the injury and the doctor? Any sites you would recommend? thanks so much for your feedback!
I believe they tell most patients 6-8 weeks up to 12 weeks…I think they told me longer because of what I do…childcare.
I had a fairly large tear that they were able to fully repair and they shaved some bone to try to make sure I would not get a recurrance.
I use the upright stationary bike (as opposed to the recumbant(?)) I find that when I use the recumbant style, I get more of a catch in my hip.
I am up in Barrie but have family in Mississauga…where do you do physio? I know people in health care down there and can maybe check around for you.
Dr. Ayenni has told me that the weight is getting longer, his receptionist has said that the wait just keeps getting longer as more people are diagnosed than ever before and because the former top doctor for this procedure in Ontario (Dr.Wong) moved down east and recommended Dr. A to all his patients.
I did do some research on Dr. A before surgery and was very happy with what I found. He is very nice though very soft spoken. I did not research the surgery much as I felt I didn’t need the graphic.
Here is the site for his profile at McMaster:
http://macortho.com/all_faculty.php?cmark=1&viewprofile=47&popup=true
I’m sorry but I deleted the other sites I had used for research.
I know I looked a lot of injury/surgery info up on WebMD. I also seem to remeber reading an article or two on Dr Ayenni but can’t remember where I found them.
I may be worth trying the corizone…I know I said it only lasted me a month but it was worth it. I was told it could last 3-6 months. Also my GP told me that they will only give you so many of these so use them sparingly. It could be worth it to get you back to a semblance of normal for a while.
I know how you feel about doing the minimal that you can…I felt the same, even if it hurt, I just needed to so something!
Any other questions…fell free!
Hutch: Don’t know if you are still here, since it is 2 years since your post on Orthopods doing hip labral repairs. I am in the same vortex of trying to get to the surgical solution. Had the MRA and clearly indicated macerated labral tear. Lots of pain and immobility and restriction. According to my second Ortho, I am being referred to Dr. Ayeni in Hamilton, (6 weeks ago and no indication of any appointment yet…), but was advised of his long wait times; 8-12 months for the consult. I have been suffering for over a year already. I need a solution sooner rather than later. Gaining weight because I can do very little, and losing muscle mass at a ferocious rate… Biggest issue for me is that I am older and my research indicates that I am likely to get resected not repaired because of my age; that means a likely hip replacement within a couple of years after the resection…Not a good prognosis.
I would like to reach out to you for your experience over the past couple of years, and get any new info you may have on which Dr. are doing hip arthroscopy and who is good / available.
Thanks for the reply. Glad you recovered well. I have lots of research papers that I have read, and would certainly like to receive the ones you have. I don’t know what you mean by “PM me…” to chat…
I pulled up ratings on several of the Orthopods you listed 2 years ago, and have a short list of 5 that I guess I need to pursue.
Who did your surgery?
Thanks.
I’m going through the whole hip arthroscopic surgery process in Canada as well, in the sincere hope that I can get back to work and some semblance of an active life again.
I have a wonderful sports medicine physician who was able to spot the problem and get the 3T-MRI imaging ducks in a row in 2 months flat. I’ve now been diagnosed with a large anterior complex labral tear and a smaller posterior one with some mild FAI. There is no sign of hip dysplasia or acetabular anteversion or retroversion. I’ll need arthroscopic surgery for this so I have been looking at my options.
My first choice is to stay in Eastern Ontario to see either Dr. Paul Shim, Dr. Gavin Wood or even Dr. Lucas Murnaghan in Toronto (thanks, Hutch). Dr. Murnaghan’s father is near retirement and sometimes they get confused with each other on paper so bear that in mind when searching for information. Dr. Paul Beaule has too long of a wait so he’s not on my list.
I can’t work at this point because of this injury, so seeing Dr. Michael Gilbart in Vancouver via private route might be an option. He does primarily arthroscopic surgery in a variety of joints (knees, hips, elbows, shoulders). He was enthusiastically recommended as well by my sports medicine doctor. The waits privately are far shorter and I have relatives who can put up with me while I recover to the point that I can comfortably fly home. I’ve been quoted 11-13K for surgery (all in) plus $750 for the pre-surgery consult and imaging reviews. Doing the same in the US would cost quite a bit more. My provincial plan can cover a small part plus it can jump in with both feet if I have to be transferred to a public hospital or have to visit an ER for complications, thanks to interprovincial health agreements. This surgery is considered day surgery so fingers crossed I won’t have to deal with that.
I’ll post a bit more as things progress to help anyone who has the same issue in Canada.
Hi Hutch, if you still have that rehab protocol and could send it to me, that would be great. I’m so glad that you’ve gotten most of your mobility back.
To answer your questions, I’m under 40 and sustained at least the anterior part of the tear thanks to hyperextension in beginner-level “triathlete” yoga under load and the idiotic instructor who instructed us to do so. There was no pop, no twinge, just a vague soreness the next day. It took me two classes to figure it out as I thought it was a irritated psoas issue. The injury was further exacerbated by an even more idiotic physiotherapist who didn’t like that I wasn’t extending my hip. I had good reason not to.
Yes, Dr. Gilbart is the one you’re thinking of. He ordered the Dunn (45) and the cross-table xrays for me. I was provided with copies of all of my scans and Dr. Gilbart will be going over them in a few days to see if I’m a good candidate. He is an assistant professor at UBC and does a fair amount of research with labral tears and FAI. I hope he can repair the labrum instead of removing the damaged parts but it’s anyone’s guess with a complex tear. The MRI report says the cartilage looks mostly good so maybe I can avoid the microfracture.
If surgery is a go, I will fly on over for the consult and hang out with the relatives until the surgery. I’m not looking forward to the flying bit, and it’s the sitting that will do me in. I can’t bring any sort of ice pack on board unless I can MacGuyver one from the food court in the secure zone. On the ground, the airport folks are pretty good as soon as they see someone with a cane or crutches. I’m in too much pain to give a hoot about my ego; they can bring on the wheels.
Dunn xray for uninitiated:
http://roentgenrayreader.blogspot.ca/2012/02/dunn-view_08.html
Why yoga is evil incarnate:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/sunday-review/womens-flexibility-is-a-liability-in-yoga.html?_r=0
Hi all!
Can anyone comment on Dr Ivan Wong or Dr. Danny Whalen?
I had my initial consult with Dr Whalen in December. He initially told me if I was not going pro then I should probably reconsider and not get the surgery (large labral tear, FAI). Before the injury I was running approximately 120 kms per week. His assistant also told me that the success rate is low with this type of surgery. That being said, my sister is a physio therapist in Halifax and has seen many of Dr Wong’s patients post op who have had a lot of success so I am considering inquiring about getting an initial with him instead. I have recently re located back East and no longer live in Ontario. If anyone has had labral tear surgery with any of these two doctors, or have any information, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi All:
I am not an athlete but I have been practicing yoga for 10 years and have always pushed myself as opposed to “gentle” yoga. I’m fit and in my
early 50’s. I’ve given up yoga but swim and power walk as the intense hip pain only occurs during certain movements.
For the last 3 years I’ve had painful “snapping” in my right hip/groin area. I had a hip x-ray which was negative. Had another hip x-ray a year
later which was also negative. This year had my third hip x-ray which showed minimal degenerative change. I tried physio which helped
with muscular tension relief but the unbearable snapping nerve pain has never subsided. I’m now being proactive and researching my
options. I’m searching for an orthopedic surgeon that performs hip arthroscopy in Toronto and the GTA. I assume I’ll need an MRI or MRA.
Can anyone recommend a surgeon that has experience with FAI and tear repair?
Hi all!
Can anyone comment on Dr Ivan Wong or Dr. Danny Whalen?
I had my initial consult with Dr Whalen in December. He initially told me if I was not going pro then I should probably reconsider and not get the surgery (large labral tear, FAI). Before the injury I was running approximately 120 kms per week. His assistant also told me that the success rate is low with this type of surgery. That being said, my sister is a physio therapist in Halifax and has seen many of Dr Wong’s patients post op who have had a lot of success so I am considering inquiring about getting an initial with him instead. I have recently re located back East and no longer live in Ontario. If anyone has had labral tear surgery with any of these two doctors, or have any information, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi there
I also have a large labral tear and FAI. I had my appointment with Dr Whelen last week and I was told the same thing (i.e. the success rate is low and it will not help with the pain or my inability to generate as much force by my right hip than my left). Have you got a second opinion ? What are you doing to manage ?
Hello,
I have just met with Dr Whelan at st mikes 2 weeks ago. His assistant did all the work and ran the appointment, Danny came in at the end said 3 words told me he is booking 9 months out for surgery and walked out… Arrogant to say the least. His assistant Brian was very good knowlegable and has had the surgery so that was assuring. Was told i could go home that night does anyone on hear know if that is true and if so a good idea?
Thanks
I had the same experience with Dr Whelan. He came in the room for 30 second, told me the surgery wouldn’t help me and left. How big was your tear ? did you end up getting the surgery ?
I called the office in Vancouver and they no longer take public clinics…this office now only does private care.
I have been waiting 10 years to see someone…
Hi,
I’m Canadian living in Montreal. I will go through the labral tear surgery in 2 weeks. The doctor told me I should use a cpm machine for 28 days after the recovery, but I’m having trouble finding one. I saw on this thread that some of you used it too. Would you know where I could rent one, in Quebec, or in Ontario, for the time of my recovery? He also recommended a DVT-pump, so I’m also searching to rent one of those… Did you ever experience it? Thanks!
I did not use a Cpm machine but had already researched them before and that name had come up a few times:
Just found this one:
http://www.diamondathletic.com/browse;cat,21;Continuous-Passive-Motion-Units-&-Dynamic-Splints
What you might also want to look into is an Aircast cryo-cuff with the hip attachment like this one:
I bought one just before my surgery (mosaicplasty) and it helped a lot for the next 2 weeks.
Cheap and efficient, easy to use (you might need some help to load and empty the cooler).
Kept everything cool which made a difference with the swelling.
Good luck
1 yr to the week Post op FAI/micro fracture
anyway - I too initially saw Dr whalen - he felt the surgery was counter productive because of the size of the tear , plus the onset of osteo-arthritis; he thus felt it was not worthwhile, also noting there was only a 40-60% chance of any marked improvement.
he wouldn’t do the surgery but did refer me to Dr Femi Iyeni at McMaster - he specializes as well in FAI.
http://macortho.com/...1&viewprofile=47
Long wait to see him, longer wait to have the surgery - big wait list - but, Great surgeon and successful surgery - while recovery was/is long and continuing, much better ROM. Was on crutches for nearly 10 weeks with total non weight bearing for 8 weeks - that sucked. used a CPM and it really helped.
I have no plans/likelihood to race an Ironman or marathon ever again, and haven’t raced any triathlons/road races since the surgery, but I can run 45 min and ride/swim fine. May go back and do the odd Sprint just because I could.
Like Hutch, since the surgery, I am noticing the wattage on the bike is steadily getting higher/better. Sold the TT rig post surgery and now ride my road bikes exclusively - they fit better and the Q angle on my hips is more adaptable to the road position. Took months to feel “comfortable” that I could stress the surgical hip, but now, no worries at all.
Bottom line:
The surgery was worth it - just realize it may not be the magic bullet you are hoping for; go easy after, and DO YOUR PHYSIO/REHAB! Don’t let the hip get stiff and tight; you will pay for it down the road.
Lastly, while Dan Whelan is a very good surgeon, he was/is just too busy to spend the time with each patient - and so, I can’t recommend Dr Iyeni enough - he was not only an excellent surgeon, but thoughtful , funny, caring and approachable.
Which is a good thing, because, f me, I have to do the other hip this summer
Ok, thanks a lot for all those info. hHe surgery is in a week, I’ll arrange everything and… hope for the best! With a lot of physio, of course!