Best approach for hip replacement

I don't know how he could have assured you that. I had two hips done both anterior, both with the same doctor, First one went great,. 4 years later did the other one and the nerve was impacted. It's been a royal pain. Recovery from the second was not the same. 6th months last week and I am not on Gabapentin. I was also told that a nerve heals very slowly. ml a month so it takes a long time. Stiff, hard leg, tender and electric zaps in the leg. They think that means healing but at my age of 77 it seems like forever. Also Gabapentin doesn't heal anything it only blocks the signal. In the meantime you hope its healing.

Can you expand on what you mean by a minimally invasive approach? I've had both hips done. 2 dif. Dr's/times and one was robotic. I recoered faster from that.

However, I hear that the knee is horrible in comparison. Especially for a 5'5" woman that is in good shape but certainly not a man's strength! I've also had back surgery at 28 yrs old and have spent many hours researching everything.

Anyway, TMI What are you calling "minimally invasive"?

Thanks!

For hip replacement, I take "minimally invasive" to mean the anterior approach - a five inch incision made on the front side of the hip. No muscles are cut so recovery is quicker and less painful. The other procedures use posterior or lateral incisions, and these require that gluteus muscles be cut to reach the hip joint.

Anterior requires more skill by the surgeon. But hip replacement has a much shorter recovery period than knee and shoulder.

As for the knees, I had both done, 4 months apart, in 2022 when I was 67. I'm very fit and the recovery went well. I strengthened leg muscles pre-op and followed the rehab exercises diligently for 2 months post-op. The first two weeks are rough, but everyday the pain gets better.

Getting rid of that pain and swelling in my knees was life changing. My knees have never felt better.

Joe

Agree. Anterior hip replacement worked for me, right and left done (4 months ago). Also had both knees replaced twice. Although I am older (77 female), I do recommend wearing good fitting shoes. Also, for best outcome for these surgeries your weight is very important, loose the extra pounds! I see so many suffering too long, a 'good weight' will definitely make recovery easier and quicker. Best wishes.

Thank you pm for your great advice.

Three years ago I was out of shape and 30 lbs too heavy. After I had both knees replaced in 2022, I was 5'10" and 190 lbs. In my 30s and 40s I ran approximately 25 marathons, so I knew what it felt and looked like to be in great shape.

So I created new goals for my self, to get to 165 lbs and reduce my percent body fat from 32% to 16%

I started spin cycling 5x or 6x/week coupled with weight training. Twp-plus years later, I'm 155 lbs and my percent body fat is 19%. I feel better than I have in many, many years. I'm 70 y/o, turn 71 in October.

Your comment about weight is extremely important, and yet so few people pay attention to it. There is not a single male within 5 years of age + and - at my gym anywhere near these numbers (ok, other than me). And these guys don't seem to care.

We lived in CA for 20 years and moved back to our home state, WI, in 2018 to retire. People here weigh so much more than the majority of people I saw in CA. Wisconsin's reputation for cheese, beer, and brats is evident in the citizens, primarily the men.

Anyway, I am having. my left shoulder replaced in August and recovery should go well, considering my conditioning. There are no guarantees with any surgery, but I feel good about my chances.

Thanks again pm.

Joe

I have not had a shoulder replacement yet, but it looks like my left is in my near future, Have had a right rotator cuff replacement and right elbow reconstruction (not at same time). The shoulder surgery was my most 'nuisance' experience. I suggest considering surgery in a cool climate, much more comfortable. You may laugh, but I found partially empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls a comfort-placing just above elbow inside the sling, covered in a face cloth-allows for air circulation between arm and body. Be patient, your sense of humor may also be challenged. Best wishes!

Never would have thought of that situation! Thanks pm!