One versus the other

There are two main types of incision are posterior and anterior. The posterior is as it implies more to the back of the hip, this is the old tried and tested way. It tends to have a larger scar and there are supposed to be more initial restrictions on movement for a few weeks. The anterior is more modern and the incision is at the front of the hip. The incision tends to be much smaller. The disadvantage of the posterior is that muscles need to cut, while the anterior they do not, however because the surgeon has less room to manoeuvre nerve damage and tendon damage can happen more easily. I had lateral posterior and in fact had no restrictions for some unknown reason, I think they are improving over time. I went out for lunch five days after surgery, although I think I may have been slightly over enthusiastic as you do get quite tired initially. 

Just behind the hip, along the outer buttock area  approx 4–6 inches. Larger incisions may be needed for larger patients and those with previous surgery or abnormal anatomy. It's the most common approach. No clinical studies prove which of the many approaches is better. 

The posterior approach surgery has the incision on the side of the hip, just behind the greater trochanter, the hip bone that people feel on their side. That sounds like what you had. It cuts more muscle and soft tissue supposedly than the anterior approach, which has a much smaller incision on the front of the hip. My understanding is that with the anterior approach, you do have much faster healing and less soft tissue/muscle damage to contend with, but a slightly greater risk of nerve injury. There is also the slightly less invasive mini-posterior approach which is what I had supposedly. Again, supposedly the muscles at the back of the hip in this approach are separated rather than cut and the incision is a bit shorter than the traditional posterior. I'm no expert Ducksoup, but I hope this is what you were asking about. 

Yes Duck, you had posterior. My scar is about 9-10” and proud of it. My surgeon only does posterior approach and has over 40+ years experience. I sense better long term results with posterior but a few more restrictions first 6 weeks 

Hi Ducksoup... I had what I thought was called a lateral THR which like yours is a vertical scar approximately 6inches in length. My friend had a posteria and it was as it says on the tin. Scar starts above the hip and as it goes down it runs along the bottom of your buttock (Cheek) Anterior is in the groin. Think lateral (vertical) incision is more commonly used NHS.

Just as ptolemy says .... there are many medical terms used to blind the non-medically trained.

Posterior - Rear incision for THR

Anterior - Frontal incision for THR

Lateral - Side incision for THR

Proximal - closest to the body - i.e. the top of a leg

Distal - most distant part - i.e. the bottom of the leg

DS-

There is  surgeon in Seattle whose website has a very good description and graphics to explain several of the most common procedures.  You could google J Pritchet Orthopedic Seattle and find some good information.

From what I can understand it is not describing the position of the incision but the aspect that the surgeon approches the hip joint from ie front or back of the hip the position of the incision is a result of this