I had a lateral THR and have been tending and observing my scar over the last 5.5 weeks.
Until yesterday I had wondered why the surgeon had gone in a straight line and then curved (at the top) backwards towards the buttock. But last night, as I was sitting on the bed, my wife noticed that in the seated position, the incision was a VERY straight line. In fact, so straight, that she even got a ruler to check - big respect to the surgeon!
Is it fair to conclude that we are that position when operated on? I wonder if this applies to the posterior approach too.
I have a matching pair of lateral, top curving, scars, one seven months old and the other just over two weeks old.
I am not sure what position I was in when in the operating theatre but my surgeon said he used this method because it gave him the best aspect for matching postion and adjusting leg length (I think!).
I was wonky after the first RTHR and now completely straight after the left. Fascinating!
I had a lateral approach and my scar is approx 5" long and dead straight. No curves in sight and doesn't go anywhere near the buttock. As I had a spinal block and so was awake during the op, I remember going into the operating room and being asked to fold my arms over my chest and not move as they put me into position. I was placed on my right side and my legs were curled up. So that supports your conclusion that we are in a seated position, lying down...if that makes sense!
Thanks Dawn - it is always great to hear from people in the know. You are much braver than me - I had to be out cold. It is interesting how the scars vary.
I too have a scar as you describe, but I wasn't sitting up when I was cut. I was laying on my back, I know this as I was awake. Local anaesthetic. There were quite a few jokes and a bit of singing . good banta. I have a 12" or 30cm very neat straight scar too. My surgeon had done 7,000 hip ops so far.
When it goes on show in the summer, around the pool or on the beach...I my say its a shark attack. Lol
enjoy your hip, im week 9, and begining to feel great. Hope you are too.
I managed to wear both my out out in equal measure .
Please don't be in awe - there was no choice, I could barely walk. In fact I am just getting used to no OA pain. I absolutely don't miss it all all but it is strange to be walking better already and not having that relentless grinding.
Yes l have noticed that to Michael l have had both hips done in the last 3 months and my scars look like the both curve slightly at the bottom. But in sittin position my husband noticed they are actually totally straight. It just standing up they looked curved. My 1st hip l had done my scar is faded so much it looks like its years old. Can hardly see it. I am so chuffed at how it looks my other is only 2 weeks old and still a bit bruised.
Hi Michael I have had 3 THR in 8 months and my scar goes into my right buttock and finishes 4 inches above my knee.Big scar cos they broke my leg getting implants out lol. But I stand up its perfectly straight and he says I was laid on my side the whole time. Just need a zip and wouldn't never need suitcase again.I'm 37 and this is the first yr I have had no surgery, getting there so scar is a small price to pay.