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Restrictions after Minimally invasive THR by Anterior Approach

Posted , 12 users are following.

gloriajoy
gloriajoy

I am still undecided and scared. Following lots of research I am given to understand that recovery after THR by the Anterior Approach is less restrictive,ie the 90 degree rule does not apply and risk of dislocation is lower.

Please does anyone have experience of the Anterior Approach,and can you offer any comments ?

I am terrified not only of the op. but of undoing the good work by my clumsy and awkward  movements afterwards. Living alone and being old (79 years), and accident prone, I am keen to make the most sensible choices.

I have been following the forum for ages and have learned a great deal from the many hippy contributors. Thank you all for your open and generous contributions and many thanks for any answers to this post.

Love and warm regards to all of you

Joy x

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • christine2107
    christine2107 gloriajoy

    Posted

    Hi Gloria

    Many surgeons prefer posterior because they can see better and get a better fit. The restrictions are for 6 weeks ans should not be the key decider as you can plan ahead for those - i have had 2 posterior thrs. So putting aside the restrictions its about you having the best surgery outcome in the longer term - that is my advice on what to focus on. Many hippoes have different health issues as well as hip problems, we are different ages and heights and weights.

    So you will get a wide range of advice from such a widely experienced group and its not possibly to average out the response to get a good avearge answer.

    Perhaps ask the surgeon "if i was your mum - what would you advise for me -to give me the best long term outcome and lowest surgical risk?" Asked these questions surgeons cant help be flipped into giving a considered response.

    Good luck with whatever path you take and once taken - dont over think the decision or worry about it. Promise? I know what overthinking does to my peace of mind ;-)

    Chris

    • renee01952
      renee01952 christine2107

      Posted

      hi chris ....

      good question - it reminds me of my mechanic (in L.A.) whom I asked the same question regarding a big repair on my car - except I asked him: would you have your wife drive my car ?   he responded : My wife yes, my mother no ....

      (sorry )

    • christine2107
      christine2107 renee01952

      Posted

      Renee

      v funny!

      the CT scan operator at our hospital reckoned it was so dodgy the only person he would allow in it was his mother in law! This was told me by a consultant as we booked me a scan elsewhere. CT machine since been replaced

  • alice85142
    alice85142 gloriajoy

    Posted

    Dear Gloria,  I can't answer your questions about Anterior hip op but Ican try to reassure you about being on your own at home.  I had a full hip replacement 9 weeks ago..( can't believe that) and was so nervouse which was when I saw this site..You will manage but would be good if you could have smoneone wih you first few days.  The hospital won't discharge you until you are able to go to the loo and climb steps on your own.  I was kept in 6 days. I do not have children and am widowed and it is harder no doubt..even when folk say 'My husband/wife is out all day' the impliaction being that they are alone..but not so as whatever catastrophe has happened during the day ( dropped and spilt things) they will deal when they do come home and the nights there is someone there to re assure....however you may be offered help?  Where are you?  I wasn't and am only a little younger than you..As on many replies take all the help that is offered.  Stay on this site for help and support.  What is the difference between the two ops?

    Big Smiles

    ALi 2

  • Loral
    Loral gloriajoy

    Posted

    I had anterior approach in May, it was the surgeons choice not mine. With that surgery muscle and ligaments are stretched, no cutting of muscle. No hip pain as soon as I woke up.The hospital has the Hanna Table and that makes it easier for the Dr to manipulate the leg.

    Mine was also uncemented, and incision was glued shut. I used a wheeled walker for about a week then a cane for about 3 weeks. Had PT at home and outpatient. I'm fine, only have a bit of a problem kneeling to the floor.

  • cathie38426
    cathie38426 gloriajoy

    Posted

    I am the same age as you and had my second

    THR 5 weeks ago. I had the lateral incision, uncemented,

    both times. I had GA for the first op and spinal and was

    awake for the second.I could see the clock and the actual

    surgery time was 1 hr and three quarters.

     Independence is one thing, but taking all support available

    is paramount. Have you been offered alternatives? Most surgeons

    have their set preferences, only adapted to the patient's age and

    medical history.

    You are right to be fearful, we all were, but we had the op because

    we had to, and we came out the other side glad we'd had it.

    Regarding our age, it will surprise and please you to hear that

    we oldies do well.. We don't rush our recovery, we are realistic

    about the results, we do as we are told, and,as children who grew

    up in wartime, it is appropriate to say on Remembrance Day,

    we just get on with it.

    ask me whatever,

    love Cathie

    • gloriajoy
      gloriajoy cathie38426

      Posted

      Dear Cathie

      Thank you for your encouraging post. Could you please explain the advantage of a lateral incision and how does it differ from alternative options?

      Was your op.Posterior or Anterior? So many aspects of this surgery and so much jargon, I am struggling to make sense of what the options are!

      I am pleased to see that you had an uncemented hip despite being quite a senior lady!

      What I have read implied that cemented is usually preferred for older patients.The implication being that they will not outlive the HR. I have the feeling that assumptions are made that the older patient will (A) be less active and will (B) not need a revision in their lifetime.

      Since I lead a very active and independent life,with every intention of  living for a great deal longer and at the same pace of activity I am keen that such assumptions will not be applied to my case.

      Could you please tell me where you are located and the name of your surgeon?

      I agree that all available support should be accepted gladly,and of course one advantage of being older is the there is no necessity to rush back to work. Being retired we can pace our recovery to suit our needs.

      There are not too many advantages to getting old but there are a few!

      I hope you are doing well,5 weeks is quite early but the tone of your post is so positive I assume all is good for you.

      Thank you again

      Love Joy

       

    • gloriajoy
      gloriajoy cathie38426

      Posted

      Hi Cathie

      Don't know why my post is being moderated.

      Have not written anything offensive.

      Hope it will be feed up soon.

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