What approach did your surgeon use?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

What approach did your surgeon use to do your hip replacement? was it the anterior or posterior approach?

My surgeon is going to use the posterior approach as its less traumatic on muscles etc and i was wondering how people on here had found it?

2

I had the posterior approach 11 days ago and I'm feeling great. At first I was slightly disheartened when my surgeon said he was using this approach as I'd read somewhere online that it's the one with a slower recovery but after speaking with my surgeon who's been doing hip replacements for over 20 years, he assured me it was just a myth. 11 days later and I'm walking comfortably with one crutch and only have slight pain where my scar is on the odd occasion and slight swelling on the ankle. you'll be fine good luck!

3

I had prosterior approach as well 4 weeks post op and I'm feeling good. Having the same progress as crawfyx below. My surgeon has been doing this form of approach for many years and prefers it due to easier access to the hip causing less damage to surrounding areas. At the end of the day you want the best approach which your surgeon has confidence in.  I would have no hsitation having the same when I get the next hip done.

All the very best.

 

4

Hi Mel,

I have know idea which way it was done, all I can say is mine wasn't

as straight forward as it first reappeared, as I had 3 cysts, a liberal tear

a small bursitis, small amount of laceration and a bone cyst, so im

guessing my recovery is possibly going to be longer

5

Hi there I'm 3.5 weeks post op and I had the posterior op with gen an and a leg block to help pain in the following days.Have to say it's been hard work but I've had no swollen leg only a tightness behind knee all this is nothing compared with pain before op will never be able to thank my consultant enough for getting a quality of life back ,so do your exercises and will get better little by little also no sickness after op and only on paracetamol so good luck you will be fine.Hugs xxx

6

Kel,

 I had the anterior approach about 3 1/2 months ago. I couldn't put full weight on my operated leg for at least 10 or 11 weeks. I had heard anterior approach was more favorable for a quick recovery – for me it was not.    My surgeon insisted the pain was because I have slight scoliosis and some back issues. But I don't believe that.  I'm doing much better now and can put weight on that leg, but when it comes time for my next hip I'm probably going to go with a Doctor Who has been doing the posterior approach for many many years. Good luck!

 

7

Posterior too.  As mentioned in the previous posts, I had also heard that the recovery was slower than with an anterior approach, but I'm pleased to report that I had very a good recovery and at just short of 7 weeks I am walking without any aid and without limp, also driving and also back at work.

I will have to have the other hip done at some point in the (distant, I hope) future and have no problem with having the posterior approach again.

8

hi kel, 

I had posterior on both hips as OS did not do anterior - I heard the opposite, that anterior is less  traumatic on muscles and tendons because they are not cut and recovery is therefor faster ... hardly any restrictions post-op -

When is your surgery ?

big warm hug

renee

 

9

Hi Kel:

I had the posterior approach. I am not sure what the main difference is with the anterior approach as far as muscles etc....The actual surgery itself wasn't bad as the doctors and nurses were great with pain control. Healing from hip surgery regardless of what approach is used is slow. It is a major surgery and takes a while to heal. I was told that with my surgery my muscles, tendons were stretched out like a rubber band. So their is still a lot of healing for things to get back in place and back to normal. I hope this helps and when is your surgery? I had my rthr 11 weeks ago today and am getting my lthr in 10 more days. I am counting down the days to be over this constant hip pain. At least the pain from the surgery heals and gets better. This constant bone on bone pain never lets up and can be unbearable. Wishing you well, and please let us know how your surgery goes...Barb

10

Good morning! I had the anterior. I'm still unable to put full weight on that leg. Doing heel slides are difficult, I was told by my physical therapist that anterior was the best way to go. Right now I'm very unhappy with my progress. It is a downer for me that I can't put weight on my leg. 😞 Wishing you all the best!

11

Morning Sue! Was wondering why were you not able to put full weight on your operated leg?? I am 2 weeks out as of yesterday and I'm unable to put full weight on my operated leg too. I had the anterior trhr

12

What was the date of your surgery, Linda?

13

I had the posterior approach and that is the only approach done here in Victoria, BC.  The surgeons here feel it is still the best.  Recovery might be a bit slower but that people end up the same at 3 months.  With the anterior approach, the surgeon doesn't get as good a look at the femur and there is a higher chance of fracturing the femur and some nerve damage too.  But you certainly hear of great success stories with both approaches.

14

Linda,

I couldn't put full weight on that leg because of pain!  It was/is through the top of my thigh and toward the outside ... I had 2 cortisone injections for what the doc said was bursitis but that didn't help...  I still have pain when I first stand up.  Doing all kinds of exercise (water aerobics, swimming, bike, PT) but still have pain after 3 1/2 months.

15

I'm noticing that my pain is coming from my knee. Especially around the outside of knee. I was just wondering if dr knew where pain was coming from. When I bend my knee it is so tight from top of knee to half way up side of thigh. I hope you get to feeling better and pain goes away. 🤗🤗

16

July 18.

17

Hello:

I had posterior done in Jan 2013, with no complications, and minimal pain.  I was back doing all my sporting activities in 3-4 months.

Last Monday 7/25, I had the other hip done, and so far no issues to speak of, I use a cane, but if I had to I can walk without it.

My surgeon did a great job the first time and I stuck with him !

I had no intention of changing types of surgery.  even though recovery is usually much quicker.

Good Luck 

18

one month later i have left hip replacement surgery but i know nothing about the anterior or posterior approch could u tell me the better one.

19

Read up on that, because I've read the opposite.

 

20

Hi Kel. I had THR anterior approach last Wednesday. Doing pretty darn good other than swelling on surgical leg. Ice Ice Baby 😱😱.., leg pumps, and rest are helping. Today it is much better! Good luck. PS. I was told posterior was harder to heal from, but from what I'm reading here, it looks like 6 of one. 1/2 dozen of the other ?