8 Month Post FRHR Specialist Visit
Posted , 8 users are following.
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!!
5 likes, 23 replies
Saltspringer48 kimberley38758
Posted
Thanks Kimberley. I had the same procedure. (I'm in Canada). All restrictions were removed after 6 weeks. It has been a relatively easy transition. Thanks for sharing
kimberley38758 Saltspringer48
Posted
Thanks Saltspringer48
It's so interesting to see what's going on around the world. Nice to be informed.
Happy to hear you are doing well. Take care!
AnnieK kimberley38758
Posted
Glad you had a good visit! Hope your recovery contines to go well.
I wonder about your doctor saying that muscles are not disturbed for antero-lateral. They are disturbed for all aproaches, since it is the muscles and connective tissue around the hip capsule that keep the ball in the socket, with or without an implant. And, during THR, in order to get into that capsule to amputate the joint made of bone and replace with the implants, much soft tissue (including muscles) have to at least be majorly stretched out of normal position. For example, with antero-lateral, the gluteus medius muscle is dissected (split lengthwise) to allow access, and then stitched back up again. I know this, because it says so on my operative report from the surgery.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all the approaches. I had antero-lateral, and did not have a good experience in recovery. I had restrictions (90 degrees, no crossing of legs or even pointing in of toes, no side-sleeping for 6 weeks, etc). I had plenty of pain and complications.
Immediately after my THR, both my gluteus medius and minimus tendons were significantly torn, and we don't know how. I had no fall or sudden jerky movements or any trauma. I followed all restrictions. I was never able to do the single leg stance on my surgical leg, even for a part of a second, after the THR. Hence, I had a severe limp. Also had much gluteal pain. I had difficulty getting a diagnosis, since my original surgeon had no clue, and I had to find a new surgeon. Finally had surgery to repair those tendons 15 months later (5 months ago), and I can now almost walk limp-free, although there is still weakness and some pain and stiffness.
If I have to have another THR, I'll choose the posterior approach, and with my new surgeon. I never want to have antero-lateral again, and I have heard of too many people with the anterior approach who end up with nerve problems (which is more of a risk with anterior).
kimberley38758 AnnieK
Posted
Hi Annie,
I'm so sorry to hear that you've had a difficult time after your FHR. Things can go wrong with any surgery, but most of us don't have much of a choice if we want a productive life again. No matter what type of surgery you have, please make sure that your surgeon is well versed in that procedure. My surgeon did tell me yesterday that he doesn't like to do the posterior method because there is far more risk of hip dislocation. To be clear, he did not say that if you have the posterior method you will have issues with dislocation. He said that studies and statistics have shown that there is more of a probability of dislocation with that method, so he choses not to use it.
I would discuss with your specialist and use their discretion. What might work better for one person, may not be the best for another.
Wishing you all the best as you continue to recover
renee01952 kimberley38758
Posted
thank you for sharing, darling ... and happy for you that your surgeon took the time to answer your questions !!!! this should be normal, however most of the time you are in and out in 10 minutes ...
big warm hug
renee
judith12644 renee01952
Posted
And often it's not your surgeon you see....
kimberley38758 renee01952
Posted
Thanks Renee
He is such a nice guy. In the US, we see the surgeon for post op visits. Yesterday he said he wanted to see me again in 6 months. I was surprised, but relieved because my other hip (left) is not in good shape at all. It's nice to know that he is keeping an eye on things. I hope that I'll have a few more years left in that hip. Knock on wood.... I don't have any pain in that hip yet, even though the X-rays look terrible.
I think that the difference in the US is that they want your business. If they don't treat you right, there are many other surgeons here wanting your business. So ultimately, they treat you well hoping that you'll come back when the need arrises.
Thank you again for your kind words, and wishing you the best
kimberley38758
Posted
I should have said, 'here in the area that I live' rather than the US as a whole. As I haven't had experience in all states, the previous statement was a generalization and I shouldn't have made that comment.