I just went to visit my surgeon for a routine check up. At this point I'm doing very well (no pain or limping and back to my normal routine), and today's X-rays showed that everything is perfectly aligned
I did have a few questions for him. The first for him to confirm the type of approach (Anterior or Posterior?) he used on me. I felt sure that he was going to say Posterior because my scar in on the side of my hip. He informed me that he used a safer approach called the Anteriolateral Approach. This newer approach is more commonly used today. When I got back home, I decided to look it up. This is what I've found:
A minimally-invasive procedure, anterolateral total hip replacement is performed through a small incision on the anterior, or side, of the hip. Because muscles and tendons are not disturbed, the prosthetic joint is more likely to remain in place during the recovery process. Patients who have had anterolateral hip replacement do not have the same movement restrictions as those who have had a posterior total hip replacement. This procedure typically results in less pain, quicker recovery and faster return to everyday activities.
I told him that every once in a while I still get pain in my femur. He said that this should completely go away by 12 months.
I asked him if I'd ever be as flexible as I was prior to the surgery. He said I can expect anywhere from 95 - 100%. It's just a matter of letting the body heal over the first 3 months, then slowly stretching those muscles back out.
I also asked him about eventually having to have a replacement in 15-20 years time. His response was, you new hip will likely last between 25-30 years. He used a brand made by the company 'Stryker'. They are made so that the part that goes into the leg should not have to be removed at all, as the top part is detachable. He said I will only need to have the ceramic ball replaced which is a simple procedure.
All in all, the visit was very positive
I want to thank you All for your support. During the first few months of the unknown, you were there to help and comfort me when I felt unsure of things. Thank you so much!!
That's all good news, and very interesting about your detachable bit! Mine is ceramic, but I don't think it's detachable. My surgeon seems to think it may outlast me. I'm hoping!
I would think that it is just the top ball section that is ceramic and that it is a taper fit on a metal stem so they would just tap out the top part and replace it.
That's great news and what a very informative post, been googling all the new terminologies. Interesting to know exactly what you have had done. You've given me some questions to pose to my consultant when I go back in May to discuss my THR, thank you.
Onwards and upwards, I hope everything continues to progress.
Many thanks for asking. Yes I have a date at last and it is May 4th.
From what I can remember when I had my new hip twenty years ago it was an uncomfortable few days in hospital then very easy but that was when I was 55.
I’m still fit but a little apprehensive especially as the pressure will be on because as soon as I am able to support myself on that side it will be off for an ankle revision on the other side..oh my god! This really was not what I expected six months ago but it has to be done.
Thanks Kimberley. I had the same procedure. (I'm in Canada). All restrictions were removed after 6 weeks. It has been a relatively easy transition. Thanks for sharing
Glad you had a good visit! Hope your recovery contines to go well.
I wonder about your doctor saying that muscles are not disturbed for antero-lateral. They are disturbed for all aproaches, since it is the muscles and connective tissue around the hip capsule that keep the ball in the socket, with or without an implant. And, during THR, in order to get into that capsule to amputate the joint made of bone and replace with the implants, much soft tissue (including muscles) have to at least be majorly stretched out of normal position. For example, with antero-lateral, the gluteus medius muscle is dissected (split lengthwise) to allow access, and then stitched back up again. I know this, because it says so on my operative report from the surgery.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all the approaches. I had antero-lateral, and did not have a good experience in recovery. I had restrictions (90 degrees, no crossing of legs or even pointing in of toes, no side-sleeping for 6 weeks, etc). I had plenty of pain and complications.
Immediately after my THR, both my gluteus medius and minimus tendons were significantly torn, and we don't know how. I had no fall or sudden jerky movements or any trauma. I followed all restrictions. I was never able to do the single leg stance on my surgical leg, even for a part of a second, after the THR. Hence, I had a severe limp. Also had much gluteal pain. I had difficulty getting a diagnosis, since my original surgeon had no clue, and I had to find a new surgeon. Finally had surgery to repair those tendons 15 months later (5 months ago), and I can now almost walk limp-free, although there is still weakness and some pain and stiffness.
If I have to have another THR, I'll choose the posterior approach, and with my new surgeon. I never want to have antero-lateral again, and I have heard of too many people with the anterior approach who end up with nerve problems (which is more of a risk with anterior).
thank you for sharing, darling ... and happy for you that your surgeon took the time to answer your questions !!!! this should be normal, however most of the time you are in and out in 10 minutes ...