anterior approach on one, posterior on the other

I had the posterior approach for my left hip and I’m 6 months post op today. Recovery has been great. I exercised daily Mon to Fri for 5 months pre op (whilst on waiting list for surgery) doing aqua fit, static bike and upper body machines in gym, Pilates and yoga. I took strong painkillers and I couldn’t do all the moves but adapted them as best I could. This helped so much post op. I was able to do a 30 min hip circuit at the hospital from 2 weeks post op. This involved squats, cycling, kneeling and standing, walking sideways, balance board and a few other things I can’t remember. There were 10 stations and it was 3 minutes at each station. This was every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. At week 5, I was cleared to drive and went back to the gym 4 days a week to do a circuit based on the one at the hospital plus walking and exercising in the pool. I started Pilates at the hospital once a week from 6 weeks and then went back to my Pilates class at my gym. I currently go to the gym 4 days a week to do Pilates and aqua classes. I do yoga once a week. Still feel a bit tired but the physio says it takes 9 months to regain full stamina. I feel great and my recovery has been pretty good but I’ve worked hard before and after the op to make the best of it. That awful bone on bone pain is now a distant memory thank goodness. The only issue I have is feeling stiff if I sit too long but that is getting better too. Best of luck for your op

Ann

I had a total gip replacement twenty years ago done posterior and it wax such a quick, painless and easy recovery. Had to have it revised after twenty years as the poly cup had worn out due to my life style that also was done posterior. I've just had a revision of a fatal ankle replacement and most of my weight has been on that new ankle but all good though tough!

Cheers Richard

11 weeks post op from.posterior total hip replacement. Began walking without any aid after two weeks and was off any pain medication after three weeks.. Rarely even take a tylenol now. Back to living life ..Walking for excercise andcso badly want to get on the recumbent bike but am waiting til my 3 month checkup in a couple of weeks.. Have done the recovery just as my surgeon has advised and feel great about it...At 61 i am not trying to run a marathon but to excercise appropraitely in hopes my hip will out last me...That bone on bone pain was gone as soon as my new hip was in.

Only pain was from the surgery...My surgeon swears by the posterior approach..Good luck with. Whatever you choose to do..

I had a posterior approach recently although the surgeon called it a lateral posterior approach. I did not even use a stick in the house when I got home, I was so impressed. Stood up in the shower and while cooking. I lie in bed and cannot believe that the hip is not my own. I would much prefer for the surgeon to have easy access than have a smaller incision. Also it seems anterior approach can be more susceptible to nerve damage. 

Thank you all for your responses. I would love to hear from someone who had one of each. Don't know if anyone on this board fits that category. Then I would hear from someone who actually can compare the two procedures.