Has anyone had a Anterior hip replacement? How long was the hospital stay. Any complications? Were you on your feet right away? Was there much pain? How long did recovery take including Physical Therapy? How many year experience did your doctor have. I am 75 years old and had by other hip replaced in 2006 via posterior hip replacement. That went okay although I did suffer nerve damage for awhile but now has subsided.
I have researched anterior hip replacement and most has been positive. Big thing is the Doctor’s experience.
Good morning Ignacio,I had anterior hip replacement here in the UK last december when I was also 75, and it has gone perfectly. The day after the operation I was encouraged to get out of bed and join the other patient shuffling up and down the corridor with their zimmer frames. There was no pain, just stiffness, a swollen leg, and a clumpy dressing over the wound. On the second post operative day I got up and slowly walked about using two sticks. This was followed by a session with the physio to ensure that I was able to do simple things like climbing a few steps, and that afternoon I was send home - just two nights in hospital. The first few days at home were a little clumsy with a leg that felt like a treetrunk but I found ways and means of getting about. The most difficult problem was lifting my leg in and out of bed - but a good wife came in very handy. Within two weeks I could do most things for myself except maybe leaning down to put on my shoes and socks - and after four weeks I was driving the car. Throughout the last six months I have had no pain from the actual hip joint - but quite a few short lived muscle and nerve pains while things get back into place. My scar is a where my trouser pocket is so no chance of sitting on it, and is a little larger than I expected - but it does not cause me any trouble and is fading fast with nightly applications of bio oil. Sometimes my jeans do rub on the scar but a tight pair of pants overcomes that problem. So now, after six months, except for the oil and this website I’ve rather forgotten that I ever had a hip replacement.
I had a posterior op one day and then used a frame to walk, home the next if you passed the physio tests walking up stairs with crutches. In my case I was kept in because my inflammation markers were sky high, but I felt fine. As John says the important thing is to find a good surgeon.
I should have said everyone had op one day, home the next irrespective of the approach anterior or posterior unless there was a problem. My surgeon had changed back from anterior to posterior as he felt it was better. I think he is a bit of a workaholic as he does way over the average hips per year. Excellent surgeon. Dreadful bedside manner though. I had no PT after leaving hospital, they gave me a sheet of paper with some exercises.
Both my hip replacements were anterior. I went home after one night in the hospital both times. I switched from the surgeon that I really liked who only did posterior for another surgeon with a terrible bedside manner who did anterior. I am now two years past the first surgery and one year past the second. The only discomfort I have now is occasionally the incision area will feel like it is pulling.
Thanks John, I met with my surgeon after reading his bio and years experience (17). It was important that we were a fit. I did not know anything about anterior hip replacement until my appointment. Fortunately, he was patient, listened and answered my questions. He explained the procedure verbally, and with computer imaging. I told him upfront that I was not ready for hip replacement and would not be until it interfered with my quality of life. He was not pushy and told me to make an appointment when I was ready. One thing he did do that sold me on him. My right hip was replaced in 2006. The prosthetic used was metal to metal. He made a blood lab appointment to rule out any metal shaving . All came out negative.
I got home and Google the pros and cons of anterior hip replacement. The most important aspect is that the surgeon have experience. Thanks again.