Hip Replacement - Are ligaments repaired?

@yukoner777 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

Surgery is always a big choice and it is best to do your own research along with consulting professionals.

There are numerous conversations around THR. Members @contentandwell @lotsofpain @peggyp @hopalongnm3 @breick @palmsprings59 @cobweb @abhilashrathore @breick @nmcwill @mamm @edmcrae @mamie @wildebjef @oregonjan have been part of these conversations and may be able to help answer you question.

Below I have linked previous related discussions that you may find of interest. You may wish to scroll through the posts to find information and connection.
- Total hip replacement - What to expect for recovery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-hip-replacement/
- Questions regarding total hip replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/questions-regarding-total-hip-replacement/
- Strengthening exercises after total hip replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/strengthening-exercises-after-total-hip-replacement/

I'm not sure where you are in the process of scheduling a THR. May I ask if you have called or messaged your provider and/or surgeon regarding this question?

My THR was performed using the direct anterior method. No ligaments were cut. Muscles are just retracted out of the way. Look for that specific method on YouTube.

Hi Erika
I consulted with an Orthopedic surgeon a couple of years ago. At that time (and up until recently) I was trying to put off the surgery as long as possible, as I enjoy playing soccer throughout the year. He basically told me to come see him again when I've decided to hang up my soccer shoes. I have a GP app't coming up shortly and I'll be requesting to be put on the THR waiting list then. Although, depending on how things go after the surgery and recovery time, I may still try to play a bit of soccer. I know it's not advised, but I'm playing with a senior's league, so it's not real competitive and I don't have to do much running. As it is, I'm out there "running" around like I've got a wooden leg. But like I say, we'll see how I'm feeling after I'm recovered. My other sports passion is golf, which I know can be played after the THR, but unfortunately, living in Yukon, that only goes for about five months of the year.
Cheers
Ross

I've been leaning toward the direct anterior method. In one of the direct anterior operations which I viewed, the surgeon removed a piece of the iliofemoral ligament. I can't post the link, but the YouTube title of the video is "Total Hip Replacement Using The Anterior Approach", by Munjed Al Muderis. Watch from 3:09 - 3:57. Mind you, this video is from 2013, so maybe the methods have been refined since then.

My understanding was that noneof my muscles, nerves, ligaments or tendons were cut, just stretched as they were moved out of the way. I wouldn't think they would remove the iliofemoral ligament as it is one of the strongest ligaments in the body and functions to stabilize the joint. That surgeon is in Australia. Maybe they do it differently there? This is definitely a question to ask your surgeon.

@yukoner777 I have to laugh. My husband is a soccer player but had knee surgery last year. Now the other knee is bothering him but he wants to play soccer this spring. I'm betting will have surgery on the other knee next winter. No judgement. I get it. When you love something, you love something.

I'm sorry, @erikas and @yukoner777 I have never had a hip replacement so I know little about them except that they are easier to recover from than knee replacements and seem to be more satisfactory than knee replacements. I know many people who have hip replacements and none that are not happy with them.

I have had two knee replacements and am good with both of them other than wishing I had a bit more flex.
JK