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What surgery approach should I choose?

Posted , 18 users are following.

melanie0725
melanie0725

Hi I'm 30 years old and am in need of a THR however I can't decide whether to have the anterior (front) approach or the lateral (side) approach.  I have seen 2 excellent surgeons who each specialise in an approach and now need to make my decision (tomorrow actually) but am really torn and would love some advice.  

I am yet to have children and still have plenty of active years ahead of me so am wary of the lateral approach having a higher risk of dislocation whereas the anterior seems to be more stable because of less disruption to the stabilising muscles.  Is there truth to this?

I am getting married in January and would love to comfortably walk down the aisl and enjoy my honeymoon so the faster recovery that the anterior approach provides seems appealing to me but I have heard it can be riskier surgery overall.  

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  

5 likes, 20 replies

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  • linzh1974
    linzh1974 melanie0725

    Posted

    Hi

    i had lateral ( posterior  approach )

    i am 7 weeks post op, in hospital 2 nights, at a wedding on day three, walking around Asda day 6, off pain meds also day 6.

    normal housework duties week 3, one crutch week 3, walking about outside (short distance) week 6 without crutch. 

    Cycling on my exercise bike also week 6, cleared for a bath too!

    but I must stress everyone is so different!  I was stubborn and wanted to run before I could walk, but not everyone is like that...

    This forum is wonderful for advice and to moan at!

    good luck in your op

    linzi x

  • lynne09047
    lynne09047 melanie0725

    Posted

    Hi Melanie,

    I had 2 posterior thrs, first in nov. last year, and the 2nd 2 weeks ago, same surgeon, no swelling , no problems, he recomened this approach, as he said in his 20 years as a hip surgeon he has never had a dislocation, so good luck, at the end of the day be guided by your surgeon, and also check out his surgical record,

    Love,

    Lynne xx

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