Right hip replacement

I also went to see a nutritionist she was very helpful I will continue my quest to get the anterior surgery. My Sister had the same surgery apprx. 10 years ago and was back to work in a month. I know its possible and I am also aware that results are individual. When my Doctor, who performed my knee surgery in November, evaluated me for the anterior hip surgery, his reply at that time was "I cannot do the surgery and nobody else will do the surgery". To this day his response keeps ringing in my ears. I am still working on lowering my BMI but if he still says no this time, I will get a second opinion.

The decision to do the anterior vs posterior hip replacement surgery may not be entirely dependent on BMI. In my case, the surgeon refused to do anterior surgery because the damage in my joint was extensive, my bones relatively small, and he felt the field of view in the anterior approach would not be sufficient to allow precise placement of the implant components. When I needed a revision some years later, the new surgeon told me his complication rate was smaller with the posterior approach than the anterior. He would do the anterior if I insisted, but preferred not to - so we did posterior again.

Just this summer, when I was seeing him for a different issue, I asked him if his opinion has changed after 12 years. His reply surprised me - he still prefers the posterior approach first, the robotic approach second, and the anterior approach last. He feels his experience is superior to the robotic process for most people. He also says long-term success is better for robotic & posterior because perfect placement is so important. He has done over 4500 hip replacements, and also teaches at our medical school.
Sue

My Doctor did not consider me a candidate for the anterior approach because of the possibility of a bacterial or fungal infection due to the belly fat over the incision area in addition to a high BMI (0ver 40). I was also shown my x-rays and he pointed out the difference between the anterior vs. posterior approach. He would rather make the placement himself than using the robotic arm. I guess it all comes down to preference. His practice consists of 80% anterior procedures, so I would definitely seek out a different surgeon if I decided to have the posterior procedure performed.

Thanks for the info! Something else to think about.

Good to know. I’ll be happy to get back to regular underwear after frequency subsides.

Had posterior RHR 8/14, back to work 9/26. Was off my cane completely until my last PT appointment; the exercises affected my right knee—now, I need the cane again.

Has anyone encountered a situation where PT creates a setback?

Bill

billddrummer,
I had an anterior right hip replacement on 6/26/23.
I’m still going to PT once a week. I don’t necessarily think PT has caused any of my other problems- i have enough general aches and pains that its hard to tell.
I do feel that I’ve hit a wall, though. I quickly recovered from the surgery and was a star at PT. 90% recovered, but I can’t seem to get any further.
The limp that I have when I first get up from sitting doesn’t go completely away.
And, this dead zone in the thigh - does that ever go away? I am getting mixed reviews about that.
I didn’t answer your question, but i have seen other people on this site wonder if PT had caused them to have a setback - or worse - recently someone on Mayo said that over aggressive PT caused their implant to be damaged.
I’m three months out from THR and yesterday I went on my first nature/bird walk since the surgery. It was 2.5
miles. I did okay, should have taken a walking stick, main problem was that it was hot. Some of the wildlife was alligators if that gives you an idea of the temperature.
Best of luck to you in your recovery.

My thigh had the numbness for several months after hip replacement. I am not a little over 8 months post op and it doesn’t bother me anymore. We

I'm still awaiting a date for Phoenix Mayo Clinic to set up a meeting with a surgeon for THR. But, at PT for my hip, the therapist used a strap or belt type implement to stretch my bunched up upper thigh. Later that day and for the next few days, I couldn't walk due to the pain resulting from the therapist overstretching my muscles and tendons. I finally used K tape on myself and took 1000 MG. of Tylenol and used ice and heat so I could walk again. I have been using a cane for a couple of years anyway. I've been in PT a lot for other body parts and basically the therapists hurt you so they can find out what's working. Just use K take and Tylenol and heat and ice if you are setback with pain. We have no other choices for pain that I know about. I tried acupuncture and massage for pain and that didn't work. Steroid injections help, but you can only get those at their discretion.

I have had pt for a couple of reasons. In 2020 i dislocated my left shoulder and had a hairline fracture. No surgery required. Once the othropedist determined the b one was well healed, he sent me to physical therapy. I went to therapy for several months. It was a big help for me. Whe i started pt, i could not raise my arm to reach a shelf in my upper kitchen cabinets. I credit therapy with getting me back to 100% motion. I had a THR in January and started pt several days after that. It was also a success. It got me back to 100% movement. My strength was not back to 100% when therapy ended. The Pt said they could apply to Medicare to extend it, but he thought it better to hold off on that in case i had more problems this year.

I had THR on my left hip on Sept 22.
I am still in the recovery process. They have you up on a walker almost immediately after the surgery. The pain meds will keep you moving easily the first several days, but will probably mess up your stomach and intestines. For me, the constipation was not worth it. The soreness set in for me after I went off the tramadol. Still taking Tylenol and Aspirin. I am not able to step without the walker yet and am still pretty sore. Doing my walking, PT, icing, as directed.
One other issue has been that my operated leg is a little longer than the other and it throws off my alignment. My therapist says it may resolve when the swelling goes down. Eventually, I expect to be back to activities and golf, but it is slow going right now.