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Lateral Incision approach

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jennifer97167
jennifer97167

I learned today that my surgeon (in the USA) will be doing a "lateral" incision approach to my hip for a THR. I have always heard of Anterior and Posterior, but this was the first I'd heard of a Lateral. It's supposed to be about 2 inches from the posterior approach , basically right on side of the hip/upper buttock. Any one had experience with this? The ONLY restriction of movement for the first 6 weeks is no "snow angels" movement of the surgery leg. No mention of 90 degree restrictions etc.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • jeff63676
    jeff63676 jennifer97167

    Posted

    I had a hip replacement using the lateral approach about 2 years ago. Everything went well. I was told at the differences are that:

    1. The posterior approach cuts too much tissue, and put you at risk for dislocation.
    2. The anterior approach has the the least problems with dislocation, and results in the smallest scar, but there is a 1% chance of nerve damage. The lateral approach has no chance of nerve damage and minimal chance of dislocation, so it is the safest. Afterwards, I compared scars with someone with an anterior approach, and was envious of his much smaller scar. I think the questions to ask the surgeon is how many of each has he done, and what is his complication rate?
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK jennifer97167

    Posted

    I had posterior for the initial THR, and a lateral for the revision that I needed.

    Apart from the position of the scar, no difference in restrictions.

    My recovery has been spectacularly easy and quick, but I am not sure that is down to the approach used, more to my physical condition before the surgery.

    Graham

  • connie53617
    connie53617 jennifer97167

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer

    im in US as well..i had the lateral approach..they called it anterior lateral...my cut was on the side but more towards the front... I always thoughy there was only posterior and anterior as well..at 3 weeks he said i had no restrictions....i never remember the surgeon mentioning the 90 degree rule... everything went well..good luck

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy jennifer97167

    Posted

    I had a lateral posterior. I assumed that I should be careful bending etc. as I assumed it was posterior. When I had a check up four weeks later I was told I could have touched my toes if I had wanted to. Probably good I did take it easy though as I would probably have overdone it otherwise. I was amazed how little pain I had, I went out to lunch the day after I got home from hospital. I had been given Tramadol which I never took.

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