← Return to Upper Thigh Pain Months After Hip Replacement

Discussion

Upper Thigh Pain Months After Hip Replacement

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 2 9:39pm | Replies (60)

Comment receiving replies
@grandmother2

I'm scheduled for right hip replacement using "anterior approach" which I'm told is less invasive and muscles aren't touched. I'm wondering if that is 100% accurate.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I'm scheduled for right hip replacement using "anterior approach" which I'm told is less invasive and..."

Umm, not exactly. Muscles, tendons and nerves are all "touched" in hip replacement surgery. The common wisdom is that the muscles do not need to be cut when using the anterior approach, just moved out of the way - but the surgeon still need visual and physical access to the joint and the femur, which is impossible without touching.

And when the surgeon tells you "healing time" is 4-6-8 weeks, that's what it takes for the incision to heal - depending on age and health, physical recovery from major surgery can take twice as long, and return to full function and strength anywhere from 4 months to a year.
What has your surgeon suggested as far as physical therapy before or after surgery?
Sue