Posterior vs anterior

Posted , 18 users are following.

Need help in deciding which is best, my Dr does posterior and is comfortable with it. I read it's shorter surgery time, but longer recovery time.  I'm so confused what to do. Stressed to have to find another Dr, but worried about the posterior surgery

1 like, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • Posted

    Had anterior. Back at gym the day after. I’m happy. 6 months ago. All is well
  • Posted

    I had Anterior 4 weeks ago, waking on my own already no cane. and driving.

    I read quite a lot about the 2 different types of surgery, and found most people preferred Anterior, and it is indeed a shorter recovery time.

    Good luck on your surgery.

  • Posted

    There are advantages to both approaches. Anterior divides rather than cuts muscles but the surgeon has a reduced view of the joint, there is slightly more chance of nerve damage, recovery is quicker. I think it should also be done on a specialist operating table. Posterior does have a longer recovery and more surgeons are very experienced with the technique. Posterior/lateral approach most common in UK. 
  • Posted

    hi I had a anterior thr in 2016 after 2 days out of hospital 6 months later back at work not had no problems yet I'm 41 now was 39 then.

  • Posted

    Go with the surgeon who has lots of experience. Posterior is tried and tested, while anterior is a newer technique. I had posterior which worked brilliantly as I was so worried about nerve damage which can happen with anterior. The surgeon has more manoeuvrability for posterior. My surgeon does 145 hips a year and really now promotes posterior. He actually did lateral posterior for me and I was able to do most things afterwards. When I got home I left the crutches at the door and have not used them since. I was rubbish with them anyway. I even went out to lunch the next day. 
    • Posted

      Wow that's amazing  you made me feel better. Thank you!

    • Posted

      As you know I had the posterior approach over twenty years ago and like you had,a very fast pain free recovery. I would not want to risk the anterior approach for the reasons you have given. My revision due to the wear of the poly cup twenty years later was fine too

      Cheers Richard

    • Posted

      I am amazed that your were out for so soon after surgery how did you manage without breaking restrictions? 
    • Posted

      No one really told me about restrictions, the only thing they told me was I should not try and slide along sideways when sitting. I did try not to bend, but otherwise I just did what I felt comfortable with. In the house I furniture surfed. I have an old Victorian cottage with lots of steps which I think exercised me. I was worried silly about going home and could not believe how well I got on. 
  • Posted

    Both methods are good as long as the surgeon is experienced with the one that is done.

    I had anterior and was very satisfied with the result and the experience of my surgeon.

  • Posted

    I had both hips done anterior, the most recent one being almost three weeks ago. I certainly was not back in the gym the next day as Chrisa reported, but I am doing quite well. Still a great deal of stiffness after sitting or lying down. You should go with a surgeon you trust and who is experienced in the method she uses.
  • Posted

    Had posterior 2 years ago. All my Surgeon does with 45 years experience. Walked same day. Walker for 5 days and cane for 10 days. More restrictions initially. Get the most experience surgeon you can and go with their expertise and recommendation. I forget I had it done 
  • Posted

    HI, I am waiting for a date to get my left hip done. I too got a little confused over which is best.

    My surgeon does Posterier so thats what im going to have! After all I have read Im ok with this decision.

    ​hopefully all will be well.... good luck to you. 

    • Posted

      I'm sure you will be fine if you have picked an experienced surgeon. After the surgery be positive, do the exercises and use both crutched or two walking sticks until you ate walking really strongly with a good hair.

      Best wishes, Richard

    • Posted

      Oops, sorry but the predictive text took over!

      Cheers Richard

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