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
michelb Zoifully
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.
Zoifully michelb
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fiona_08868 Zoifully
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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.
Zoifully fiona_08868
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gwen81475 Zoifully
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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.
Debinil gwen81475
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!
gwen81475 Debinil
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.
Zoifully gwen81475
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Zoifully gwen81475
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renee01952 Zoifully
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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
Zoifully renee01952
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crawfyx Zoifully
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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!
Zoifully crawfyx
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gwen81475 Zoifully
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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.
Zoifully gwen81475
Posted