Anterior vs posterior hip replacement

Sara:

I'm in the US and had anterior lthr last November. I did my own research and concluded as you did that anterior is the way to go. Now, 5.5 months post on and I feel very good and use the hip for regular workouts. No pain.

It was conducted as out patient surgery: home the same day. Showered the next day.

I found an excellent surgeon who does nothing but these anterior thrs. Advice: make sure the surgeon you select is experienced in the procedure. It is more technically difficult and requires a special table for the operation.

The most severe side effect was a hematoma over the incision area. The scar area is so nicely healed the scare is barely visible. I also have some skin numbness around the incision area which will slowly improve with time.

I am so pleased with the outcome that I am having my right hip done this coming November with the same surgeon.

The other procedures are more invasive, require cutting muscles to get to the joint and require longer recovery with more possible complications.

Hope this helps and speedy recovery with you upcoming thr.

dear sara, 

warm welcome to this hippies forum where we share personal experiences and stories -

there are many discussions about this topic -  recently quite a few members who had anterior approach have come here to share some issues they have -

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 Anterior Approach: Minimally invasive surgery involves inserting special instruments and an arthroscope through one (three to six inch) or two (two to three inch) incisions in your hip. An arthroscope is a thin, lighted instrument with a small camera. The camera transmits pictures of the inside of your body to a video screen viewed by your doctor as he or she performs the surgery. Minimally invasive surgery generally involves a faster recovery and less pain than open surgery. This is because it causes less damage to tissues and muscles. Your surgeon will make small incisions instead of a larger one used in open surgery. Your surgeon threads surgical tools around structures and muscles instead of cutting through or displacing them as in open surgery.

there will be less restrictions post-op

Posterior Approach:

Open surgery involves making a large 10- to 12-inch incision in your hip. An open surgery incision allows your doctor to directly view and access the surgical area. Open surgery requires a larger incision and involves more cutting and displacement of muscle and other tissues. Open surgery generally involves a longer recovery and more pain than minimally invasive surgery because it causes more damage to tissues. Despite the potential for damage, open surgery may be a safer or more effective method for certain patients.

there are restrictions for at least 6 weeks -

Please let us know how you are getting on and what your decision will be - 

we love to know -

big warm hug

renee

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Hi sara

I'm in the UK and had posterior approach. I was quite active prior to the operation, did alot of pilates, gym and classes.

I am now around 14 weeks post op.i felt in general the recovery time was quick,I stopped using a stick /crutch at 8 weeks, I was left with a limp, however now after physio, it is almost gone.restrictions up to 6 weeks, no bending at 90 angle until 12 weeks. I can bend normally now, I work well with the exercises the physio has given me,all strengthening muscles as my quads were in pretty poor shape after.

The only thing I can't do is take the leg hip outwards yet or bring it up but I'm guessing that will come.

Iv been left with a damaged knee,they think this has happened during surgery, possible torn cartilage, I'm awaiting MRI results and I have a haematoma.

It really is good to do research well,I think looking back, if I had a choice, I would of gone for anterior approach. However it's difficult to determine which approach is best as everyone is so different in thier healing capacities.

I hope that you manage to get sorted with your descion, hope this has helped a little.

Regards Nicky

Hi Sarah, there was a discussion about 10 days ago posted by Carol about anterior v posterior. There were lots of comments that you might find interesting if you can find the thread.

I had posterior about 10 months ago, but minimally invasive, my scar is short and my recovery was good. I was 57, and fit apart from osteoarthritis in my hip. Did you discuss running with your surgeon? I was a runner, but that's about the only thing my surgeon doesn't want me doing, apart from running for the bus. (And he doesn't recommend sky diving...) He was fine about me skiing. Maybe people who have anterior surgery are ok to continue running.

I think the most important thing is to find a v experienced surgeon.

Good luck, Judith