Hi. I have never done forum before and I am 72to. I had total hip replacement last October

Just saw your reply and thank you. When I respond to a text, is it posted for everyone or just person I'm responding to? Hope all go on board for everyone but not sure how these work yet

Just saw your reply and thank you. When I respond to a text, is it posted for everyone or just person I'm responding to? Hope all go on board for everyone but not sure how these work yet

Everyone sees it. ATB Richard

Message went twice.................First time using any site like this. Should I know what ABT means😑

ATB. All the best <bg>. Big grin! Cheers Richard

Hi Jen Had surgery last October so I am about 6months post op. Had a posterior th r. Supposedly less apt to "nick" the nerve.

Someone mentioned on this board that there are improved posterior incisions now. I had posterior too and had virtually no problem. I was worried about the nerve problems with anterior too. My surgeon said it was a lateral posterior I had and the incision ran sort of parallel with my waist only at hip level! It was fantastic. I had very little pain and walking was very easy. My only problem was getting into bed as my operated leg was a bit weak, for which I used a sort of material loop thing the hospital gave me.

Good morning. Thank you for your response. My understanding from friends is anterior is the way to go as fewer restrictions post op. But I did have posterior (my physician said too much muscle to do anterior, that he wouldn't be able to see well enough. Has anyone ever heard of that? Because the hardest part by far were the restrictions ie can only sleep on back for 6-8 wks, no crossing of legs even at ankle, not bending last 90 degree angle at waist etc.

Surgeons do sometimes say they will not use anterior approach for certain reasons, ultra fit athletes with lots of muscle, overweight people etc etc. It is just they need the better access of the posterior approach. The extra restrictions are not for that long and even with an anterior approach people need to be careful and take things easily.   

A new hip is for life or perhaps 20-30 years so better make it a good one!

Far better a bit of discomfort sleeping for the first month and not crossing your legs than the possibility of perhaps months or if really unlucky having nerve problems for the rest of one's life. Seems like a complete no brainer to me!

Cheers, Richard

Glad to hear you say that. I talked to 7 or 8 people who had THRand all of them had anterior hip replacements and said "that was the only way to go". Everyone except my husband (,he has not had it done). He felt as you do, that anterior THR was definitely not worth the risk of nerve damage. So he was happy re decision........

There is quite a bit of evidence to say that the anterior approach has risks and stem limitations that need to be carefully considered.

It strikes me that there is a commercial aspect to all of this. Less time in hospital means potentially more profit for the hospital. It can be sold as a more sexy option and thus attract more customers and worrying patients with stories of restrictions and slow recoveries also seduces people to go the anterior path.

Cheers, Richard

There is quite a bit of evidence to say that the anterior approach has risks and stem limitations that need to be carefully considered.

It strikes me that there is a commercial aspect to all of this. Less time in hospital means potentially more profit for the hospital. It can be sold as a more sexy option and thus attract more customers and worrying patients with stories of restrictions and slow recoveries also seduces people to go the anterior path.

Cheers, Richard

Interesting point you make about the commercialization of this surgery. The anterior type of TH R is definitely being encouraged. But I think it is the insurance companies also who want shorter stays by their insured. My surgery was done mid afternoon on a Friday and was discharged early Sunday morning which was considered a 2 day stay. That seems like a very short stay for a major surgery. Some people in chats stated went home, while living alone. (,to really date myself, when I had my first baby in 1967 it was an automatic 5, day stay. May be a bit lengthy but certainly gave mom a break. ☺