8 Month Post FRHR Specialist Visit

Hello Fellow Hippies!

I just went to visit my surgeon for a routine check up.  At this point I'm doing very well (no pain or limping and back to my normal routine), and today's X-rays showed that everything is perfectly aligned

I did have a few questions for him.  The first for him to confirm the type of approach (Anterior or Posterior?) he used on me.  I felt sure that he was going to say Posterior because my scar in on the side of my hip.  He informed me that he used a safer approach called the Anteriolateral Approach.   This newer approach is more commonly used today.  When I got back home, I decided to look it up.  This is what I've found:

A minimally-invasive procedure, anterolateral total hip replacement is performed through a small incision on the anterior, or side, of the hip. Because muscles and tendons are not disturbed, the prosthetic joint is more likely to remain in place during the recovery process. Patients who have had anterolateral hip replacement do not have the same movement restrictions as those who have had a posterior total hip replacement. This procedure typically results in less pain, quicker recovery and faster return to everyday activities.

I told him that every once in a while I still get pain in my femur.  He said that this should completely go away by 12 months.

I asked him if I'd ever be as flexible as I was prior to the surgery.  He said I can expect anywhere from 95 - 100%.  It's just a matter of letting the body heal over the first 3 months, then slowly stretching those muscles back out. 

I also asked him about eventually having to have a replacement in 15-20 years time.  His response was, you new hip will likely last between 25-30 years.  He used a brand made by the company 'Stryker'.  They are made so that the part that goes into the leg should not have to be removed at all, as the top part is detachable.  He said I will only need to have the ceramic ball replaced which is a simple procedure.

All in all, the visit was very positive

I want to thank you All for your support.  During the first few months of the unknown, you were there to help and comfort me when I felt unsure of things.  Thank you so much!!

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