Benefits and drawbacks to anterior approach

Posted , 9 users are following.

I plan on having my R hip replaced in late October. I have been advised by several people to find a surgeon whou( uses the "anterior approach". Can someone give me the pros and cons about this approach? I don't believe the surgeon I had planned on ses this approach, even though he is an excellent surgeon. Thanks!

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    From my experience (I had one posterior approach surgery and one anterior approach surgery), the first 2 months of recovery are easier with the anterior approach and you don't have the 90 bend restriction.  After the 2 months, there's not much difference.

    I'm not really aware of any drawbacks but that doesn't mean there aren't any.  Finding a surgeon that does it might be one.

    FWIW, I specifically looked for a surgeon that could do an anterior approach.

    • Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I live alone, so the quicker recovery sounds great. I will shop around, as I do not think the surgeon I was originally going to use does anterior. So far, all the feedback has been positive. I have not seen anything negative about the anterior THR. Thanks again!
  • Posted

    I asked my surgeon why he did only lateral replacements. He told me that most surgeon's do what they studied, that the overall results are about the same. He said that although recovery starts faster with the anterior approach there is a higher risk of complications. That supported my own research. Good luck with your replacement no matter which way you go. A really good surgeon is important.

    • Posted

      Thank you! Yes, I will stick to my surgeon, as I used to work for him and have confidence in him, regardless of his approach.
  • Posted

    I had the anterior approach last December. I wasn't given any restrictions, but was advised to make sure my feet were together when I sat down or stood up.

    With this approach the muscles group at the front of the thigh are not cut so healing and mobility recovery is faster. I am 100% happy with my surgery and recovery but of course, I cannot offer comparisons with the other approaches.

    • Posted

      Hi! I'm scheduled to an anterior THR in December but am very anxious about having it. How were the first few weeks afterwards? If you work, how long before you returned? Was it very bad right after the surgery?

      Thx!

    • Posted

      Hi, The first few weeks after were not bad at all. Obviously a little discomfort and I had to use two crutches for about 3 weeks but no pain to speak of.

      I was up and walking about the day after surgery with no problem.

      I am retired but if I were working and depending on what type of work, I probably could have returned part time after 4 weeks.

      I'm having the next one done in August and have no qualms whatsoever.

      Don't be anxious, I expect what you are suffering now is 100 times worse.

    • Posted

      Thank you for your input! I am starting to realize that the surgeon is the important aspect and the approach is secondary. Good luck with your continued recovery. I just want to get back to walking my dog without pain!
    • Posted

      Yes, some days are better than others. My hobby is showing dogs, so I am anxious to get back in the show ring with my dog. Hopefully I can trot around the ring without limping at some point! I appreciate your comment. Very encouraging.
  • Posted

    Hi Zoifully, 

    I didn't know too much about different approaches to THR surgeries - found this forum 3 weeks post-op from 1st THR - with 2nd one I asked my surgeon about the anterior approach but he didn't do that - so I had 2 posterior surgeries - After reading the positive feedback re. anterior, andif  I would qualify , I would go for that ...

    good luck 

    do you have a surgery date yet?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • Posted

      No surgery date set yet. I am hoping for late October. My main concern is boarding my dog while I am in the hospital. I hope I can bring him home quickly and get back to walking him. Thank you for your input! Best of luck on your recovery!
  • Posted

    Hey, I had a posterior approach left hip replacement last friday and asked my surgeon and the difference and he said people seem to think anterior is a quicker recovery but he believes this is just a myth. Now 6 days post op I feel great already so I wouldn't worry about which approach you get much to be honest.

    good luck!

    • Posted

      Thanks so much! That helps! I really like my surgeon (used to work for him) and think I will go with him regardless of the method he uses.
  • Posted

    You sound quite a fit active lady. I think this will benefit you during your recovery.

    You'll soon be back trotting around the ring with your dogs.

    • Posted

      You are very kind! It will be wonderful to go on long walks again with my dogs and not feel this crippling pain!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.