Posterior vs anterior

I think the posterior approach has improved greatly. I am not sure I had muscles cut as I did not feel there was any healing problems. I had problems getting into bed initially and used a loop of material. I am not sure if anterior approach people have problems lifting their leg into bed. Otherwise I carried on as normal when I got home. I had bought various gadgets I read about on this discussion board and have never used them apart from the grabber!

I had anterior and also had difficulty lifting leg in the beginning. I used a leg lifter since it was quicker to grab my foot and lift than throwing the loop of a belt or sash around my foot.

I decided to sleep on recliner for first couple of weeks because it was easier than dealing with the bed. Faster to be able to get up, too.

The grabber was the best device for the longer term use. Other gadgets were more temporary.

I must admit I was pretty impressive with my bit of material leg lifter. I would lassoo my foot and then lift the leg into bed. I was told I should get into bed good leg first but realised that I was going in operated leg first. It worked fine though. I had purchased a recliner which I have not actually used as I found I had no problems getting in and out of bed much to my amazement! You are right, if you have nothing else a grabber is the number one gadget. I still use it to get things out of odd corners being too lazy to reach down for them. 

I use the grabber, too, when picking up something from the floor, too. Also, use it for reaching high places when my husband isn't around. I'm still avoiding the step stool.

As far as I'm concerned there were absolutely no long term restrictions. Mine was posterior in 1997 and last year I needed the poly cup to be replaced as it had worn right through and was done posterior.

I carried on with hill sheep farming and building and the only thing that I did not do on a regular basis was running. This was because I understood that the impact of running would reduce the life of the prosthesis.

Cheers Richard

I am unaware of any long term restrictions, in fact I was told I could bend with no problems if I wanted from the beginning.  I think the posterior procedure has improved a lot over time and it is very much tried and tested. Also it is easier for the surgeon to see what he is doing. It may mean a slightly longer incision, but I think that is a small price to pay. I waited to do most things for six weeks such as driving though. Then I never looked back. 

thanks for your reply Melody...sounds good! Pleased you are coming along well

At my six week appointment with my consultant he cleared me to do anything I wanted. I’m 70 and have given up sports like ski-ing so I didn’t ask about anything like that, but I have no restrictions otherwise. He said to listen to my body. If I try something and it hurts, stop. Otherwise go ahead.