Direct Anterior Surgery Comments

I was looking at Anterior when exploring my options and read some current ortho literature as well as discussing with my surgeon and my brother (who is also an ortho surgeon.) They are both more medically conservative. Both said they would not have Anterior done (yet) unless it was a surgeon who did tons and tons of them. The literature showed that the results 4 montsh out were identical BUT that post op pain, infection rate and possiblity of damaging major nerves or breaking the femur were higher with Anterior approach.

I had posterior done 2 wks ago and am walking with trekking poles, doing stairs, ok'ed to drive adn so on. Yes, there are some  limitations (the 90 degree thing, etc) but there are also some restrictions with Anterior. In the end, I felt more comfortable going with the tried and true and eliminating some of the rather significant risk factors. I am 63 and look forward to getting back to the gym, the pool etc. 

The operating tables for Anterior approach cost over $100,000. I don't know if this is the reason for the big push but where I live in MI, there is quite an advertising campaign promoting Anterior. Docs from Detroit were traveling 3 hours to give talks in the casino (!) in Petoskey to generate interest. I guess, to me, if it's so great, why do you have to do that. After researching and talking about it, I felt more comfortable with the Posterior  and am very happy with it.

I will have the second hip done in April. Posterior.

Hi Tony!  Welcome. I am 44yo female 2 weeks post op using the anterior approach in DC area. 

It is much faster recovery and the restrictions are almost nil. I've noticed my restrictions have been based solely on how my body is feeling. I have been told my progress is on track and good however I have had strange pain around my quadriceps area that no one has given me a good explanation for. I think it was just swelling and such stemming from the procedure. The good news is it's decreasing greatly in severity so nothing to worry about. 

I am am starting work using a cane this week - little by little. 

Remember to do you PT and do them as recommended and don't push further. 

Imhad ad my follow up yesterday at the doctors to remove bandage and was told all looks great!  And I have basically zero restrictions - again that's great however I don't see myself dancing right now. Hahaha

i will be more than happy to share more with you if you would like. Feel,free to private message me. 

This group you have found are made up up some very wonderful,people that will help you through this process like you wouldn't believe. I was a nervous wreck b4 op and still not sure how I made it through - these folks helped me a lot. 

My cousin has had both procedures done one on each hip. My mother had 3 posteriors. They were great resources for me as well - very strong cheerleaders to get it done so you can be pain free and have your life back again!!! 

 

I forgot to say I got ceramic ball w titanium stem. 

Hi Tony I have been on the forum in the past and 12 mths ago had a TRHR using the method that your looking at. My name is Mark and I live in Sydney Aust. I can't speak highly enough about this method. I was operated on at 1.30pm and discharged 9.30am next day. Walked out of hospital unaided and the beauty is that none of the rules ie 90% or raised toilet seats or dislocation apply, plus with no muscles being cut the recovery is much much quicker. Before my op I researched this method and found a web site of a Dr Jimmy Chow from Phoenix it was very informative with lots of testimonials one can even watch the op if one is so inclined.

Anyway 12 mths on and I have had no problems at all. Wish you all the best for your future op.

Mark

Hi Tony, 

if I would have had a choice and qualified for anterior method, I would have chosen it ... alas, no such thing for me - 

good luck

warm big hug

renee

Hi Tony!

I had THR with Anterior-Lateral approach 8 months ago. I still have some surgical pain and have difficulty walking stairs but other than that, everything has gone wonderfully. My surgeon was exceptional!

I have to have the other hip replaced sometime in the future and will again opt for the Anterior-Lateral approach again.

I had no restrictions at all.

Just PT for 6 weeks then doing what I want when it feels right to do.

Good luck to you!

HI Tony I had Anterior in May with a well known Dr. here in MI. He does over 400 a year. The hospital has a Hanna Table that is used for this type of surgery. Look it up on the web. I was in the hospital on Tuesday came home Friday, walked with a wheeled walker for a week, then a cane, by week four no cane and driving. This is the type of operation my Dr. suggested because we are young, 54, and still active. I have uncemented plastic, ceramic, and titanium.  I never had a limp, I still have a bit of numbness on the thigh and incision area but other than that I'm fine. You can PM me for more info. if you like.