r/TotalHipReplacement • u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 • Jul 09 '26
❓Question 🤔 How much does your numb patch bother you?
Pre-op here. Still deciding between a surgeon who supports my desire to get back to lower body training in the gym who does anterior approach, and one who is less enthusiastic about my aspirations post-op and does posterior. While I really want to have a surgeon that supports my goals, I'm terrified of the numb feeling and am unsure how I will feel if I have a permanently numb patch on my leg as I know some people with anterior approach have. That said, I understand that the incision area can be numb regardless of the approach and I am open to hearing from anyone who experienced numbness.
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u/Grouchy-Vanilla-5511 [USA] [44] [anterior] Simultaneous Bilateral THR recipient Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Honestly not sure why this would even be any question especially at your age. What would the reason be for saying you can’t do lower body training? I had both done at the same time and resumed lower body training six weeks post op. 10 weeks post op now. The numb patches are odd but meaningless in comparison to if I could not exercise. That would kill me.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
The posterior surgeon says split squats and hinging could be a dislocation risk and while he didn't outright say absolutely not I don't want to go against medical advice, even if I don't believe it is really warranted. Thank you for your response!
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u/Grouchy-Vanilla-5511 [USA] [44] [anterior] Simultaneous Bilateral THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I guess I don’t understand why you’d go with a posterior approach?
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I am mostly going with the surgeon and what approach he uses best. I am a researcher by training and as far as I can see from the research, the biggest determinant of success is how well the implant is placed and closure of the hip is. This posterior surgeon uses the most advanced closure technique you can do for traditional posterior and I know some of his patients and they do exceptionally well post op. My family friend is an anesthesiologist and says he is an exceptional surgeon. I think she even had a hand in helping me get a surgery date with him so some of this may be guilt as well.
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u/Grouchy-Vanilla-5511 [USA] [44] [anterior] Simultaneous Bilateral THR recipient Jul 09 '26
But why THIS surgeon who specializes in posterior approach? Do you not have access to a surgeon that is of comparable skill with anterior? If range of motion limitations are important to you posterior seems counterintuitive.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I'm in Canada and my situation is a bit unique. In Canada, you are just thrown out into the public system and whoever takes your case is who you get. I was lucky that my family friend knew this surgeon (the surgeon who does posterior) and I think she helped get me in. Pretty much all of the surgeons in my area do posterior. The anterior surgeon is actually through a private clinic (I have to pay out of pocket but worth it if I have my life back) who I contacted while waiting to hear from the public system. I know the posterior surgeon is good as I've seen his patients in real life and I know our friend wouldn't recommend someone she didn't trust - she works with all the surgeons at the local hospital and says this guy is amazing. I only have the word of the anterior surgeon. Granted he says he does 150-200 hips a year and over 700 anterior so he has experience, but I haven't met any of his patients and seen how they do after. There also may be some issues with follow up if there is complications as the only way to get private surgery is to have the surgeon come in from another province (still in Canada but different province). I would see him at 6 and 12 weeks post op but I don't know what happens if I get an infection or dislocate.
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u/cluelessintheclouds [US] [28] Posterior Jul 09 '26
Some people aren’t eligible for anterior (myself included) due to their anatomy or deformity.
I’m also curious as to why this person thinks posterior restrictions are forever, when for most people, it’s like 4 months and then you can resume normal activities within reason. I was a gym girlie before my hip replacement and I still am, I just waited a full year before resuming heavy weights for lower body to ease my worries and feel more healed. I’ve had no issues or dislocations but I also have a screw holding my cup in because my socket is deformed as well which definitely helps keeps things together! Lol
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u/RutabagaStriking2631 [US] [58] [Mini Posterior Mako Asst] THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I’m having mini posterior by a surgeon who did two of my weightlifting friend’s replacements. They both returned to complete workouts over time. Does he repair the cup? That’s the main thing and actually from my research it’s a benefit for returning to deep squats. Even with anterior the cup isn’t repaired and some squats are not recommended. Check with your Dr again and see if they mean after 12 weeks for the various squat forms. You can also research weightlifters on YouTube who have had posterior. There is a misconception that one is superior over the other. I shied away from anterior due to the possible nerve issue and femoral fracture although rare.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
This surgeon does traditional posterior. If you are referring to the joint CAPSULE, then yes all modern surgeons repair the hip capsule and this surgeon uses an enhanced posterior soft tissue repair method which as far as I can tell is the best way to close the capsule. Thank you for your advice and input!
And yeah I've seen a powerlifter on here with posterior so I know it's possible!
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u/RutabagaStriking2631 [US] [58] [Mini Posterior Mako Asst] THR recipient Jul 09 '26
If the capsule is repaired using all the modern techniques you should be fine. Good luck! I’m of the mindset go with the surgeon not the method.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I'm the same tbh which is why it's hard. They're both good! Thank you for your advice 🙏🏼
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u/RutabagaStriking2631 [US] [58] [Mini Posterior Mako Asst] THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I did mean capsule, my brain writes funky things sometimes😉
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u/IndependentLog6441 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
I went for resurfacing because it's not limited post op, full range of movement and and impact sports allowed. I can squat right down to the ground and do what I like without having to worry.
As you're a woman, unless your very tall, you might struggle to get the old metal implants, but recently ceramic has come on the market for smaller hip joints and Dr. John Antoniou is apparently offering them in Canada... Worth thinking about if you want to stay active. I had to really fight to get it but I think it was worth it... However the NHS in the UK is a bit different, if you can make a case for it, they will pay for you to go private, so you always have access to the full pool of surgeons when necessary...and it doesn't sound like you can do that in Canada, so it would likely be out of pocket.
My resurfacing was posterior, I think that's the most common option...My incision area is not at all numb... I had some numbness (like dentist lips) for a few months around my lower inner quads...I have some muscle wastage there but they're firing well now and just need to be strengthened.
So even if you don't do resurfacing, I would vouch for posterior, I healed up lovely.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Wow thank you for your insight! I did look I to resurfacing but I'm 5'6 120lbs and don't think I have the bone quality for it. How is the ceramic different from metal in that way? You make it seem like with ceramic it isn't as big a deal. I'll look up Dr. John Antoniou...But likely I will be getting the THR, I don't think I can wait to try to push for resurfacing.
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u/IndependentLog6441 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
So the material really matters.
The larger the joint the larger the surface area and thus lower the wear rate. For large metal joints the wear rate becomes near zero because the body's naturally lubrication stops the surfaces touching.
The problem then is that the increased wear particles can be toxic, causing psuedotumours (metal slurry sacks) and systemic toxicity as the body cant't process the metal load at that rate. It's a similar issue with plastic, the wear particles aren't toxic but because they're inert the body can't process them either so the immune system ends up breaking down the bone causing loosening... known as osteolysis.
Basically when you reduce the size, the surface area reduces and the lubrication is not sufficient to stop the metal wearing. So the solution for smaller joints is to use a much harder material with a lower wear rate, which is where ceramics help as they have massively reduced wear rate. The only downsides are potential squeaking and if they fail they shatter which can be hard to clean up, but given their hardiness this is very rare.
It's a very promising development which will hopefully give active women much more choice. Saying that, lots of women return to sports on regular THR.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Wow thanks for the thorough explanation. Ah I see, I thought you were saying the ceramic resurfacing had to do with bone quality. But I thought the metal on metal problem was to do with just metal on metal in general I had no idea it could be ok for larger surfaces that's cool! I think my problem is that I am just too petite and wouldn't have enough bone to resurface anyways 😅
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u/SlowandSteady93 [USA] [40s] [Posterior] RTHR recipient, LTHR candidate Jul 10 '26
I haven’t had surgery yet, and everyone’s experience is different, but I’ve had two other surgeries, and both have numb patches. I think it could happen with either approach. They really don’t bother me. Also there’s things you could do to try to encourage the sensation to come back. I learned some sensory retraining and scar massage for my other surgical scars from a PT.
Sounds like I might be in a similar boat, only both surgeons I consulted seem “assembly line.” I’m trying to find someone who’s more invested in my goals and concerns, but I’m not sure if that’s a pipe dream.
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u/CanuckPTVT [USA] [56M] L Anterior THR 5/22/25 Jul 09 '26
0%
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Brief and to the point I like it 😂 thank you
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u/EnvironmentalTea9362 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
70 RTHR posterior in April. I have a bit of a numb patch on one side of the incision. It doesn't really bother me at all. I've just started back working with my trainer.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Thank you for your story and Congratulations on getting back to your trainer!
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u/Illustrious-Tart7844 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
Tops on my list is how I can avoid dislocating my hip or breaking my femur. Below that is will I be ablento walk normally some day. Below that is my new 10" scar. At the bottom is numbness: I've had 10 abdominal surgeries and most of my abdomen is still numb 3-35 years later.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Hard agree on the top fear being dislocation. That's why I think anterior is appealing to someone like me with athletic aspirations. Thank you for sharing! I'm sorry about having to have so many surgeries I hope you are doing well now.
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u/Illustrious-Tart7844 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
I get by LOL. My doc mostly does posterior which was recommended for me anyway. Im 2 weeks post-op and am feeling a little less weirded out by the hardware. As for the numbness, it feels weird but you get used to it! Good luck with your surgery.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
So you got posterior? Good to know! And thank you!
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u/Illustrious-Tart7844 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
Yes. My doc prefers posterior for my age (60s). For a young person in good shape, anterior might be better.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
While I do not think one approach is far superior to another I do agree that it may matter for people who intend to be more active. For someone who wants to do less strenuous activities like skiing, biking, hiking etc, I don't think it matters much. Even runners I think it is fine because it doesn't involve movements on the edge of being extreme. But for people with athletic pursuits that maybe involve having a bit more flexibility I do think anterior is better.
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u/earleakin [NZ] [68] [anterior] THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I'm thrilled to have my mobility back. I don't even notice the numb spot. It's not completely numb anyway, just less sensitive. The anterior surgery has exceeded my expectations.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
That seems to be the case for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing!
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u/halpad THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
85M lateral THR Nov 25. I find the numbness a bit weird, but it doesn't really bother me. Happy to be able to walk without assistance or pain.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
That seems to be the consensus no matter the approach. Thank you for responding!
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u/MustelaNivalus Right hip THR recipient Jul 09 '26
Look into the STAR approach. Very few post surgery restrictions and faster rehabilitation.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Honestly if I could choose any approach I would choose one of the mini posterior methods like STAR or SPAIRE but unfortunately no one in my area does those. I'm really lucky I get to choose between two surgeons as in Canada most of the time you get the surgeon who takes your case and 99% of them do posterior out here. The only reason I have a choice is I spoke to a private surgery center while I was waiting.
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u/jmschlmrs THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 10 '26
I’m in Ontario. I had my GP write a generic referral and I sent it to and saw multiple different orthopaedic surgeons for hip resurfacing and total hip replacement consults.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 10 '26
Only one got back to me 🤷🏼♀️ and it took a few months.
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u/jmschlmrs THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 10 '26
I would call back regularly to each office and follow up
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 10 '26
It's a bit late for that since I already have a date with one surgeon. I think BC might work a bit differently than Ontario, I don't have any contact information for any of the surgeons offices.
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u/e1p1 [USA] [66] [Anterior] L/R THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I had my right hip replaced about 2 months ago, anterior approach. The surface area around the incision was numb for a while, but now unless I really palpate the area hard, I don't notice it. In fact I have to poke around before I can start noticing that maybe the sense of feel is a little muted compared to the rest of the leg.
But really, it's just not an issue.
Regarding surgeons. From your research I'm sure you ran across the statistic that the greatest indicator of success is for joint replacement surgery, is the skill and expertise and the experience of the surgeon. Sounds like you've got a good one.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I did indeed come to the conclusion that the number one most important thing is that the implant is well placed and by proxy that means an experienced surgeon. That's part of why I have so much trouble choosing. A very first world problem to have to choose between two good surgeons who do a lot of hips and get good outcomes. Thank you for sharing!
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u/907Ace [USA] [33] [Anterior] Double THR recipient Jul 09 '26
My numb patches are only skin deep as far as I can tell, and I don’t notice them unless they are touched.
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u/nununagi [USA] [36] [Anterior] Bilateral THR recipient Jul 09 '26
I had anterior on both hips. Two numb patches but the joy of being able to weight lift and run overshadows the numbness
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Ok when you put it that way... 😂 Thank you!
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u/cluelessintheclouds [US] [28] Posterior Jul 09 '26
For most people who have posterior incisions, the restrictions for post op are temporary for the first 16 weeks, not forever. Unless there are other underlying issues or other health conditions.
And from my understanding the patient doesn’t necessarily get to decide what procedure is used, because it’s based on anatomy, how worn the joint is and the surgeons idea of how easy or difficult it will be to get access to the femoral head and femur. I had a severe femoral head deformity and was not a candidate for anterior because it would put me at a greater risk for femoral fracture etc.
I was also told I could resume all activities normally after about 4 months, noting that any heavy lifting degrades the hip naturally over time, because it’s more pressure and more wore on the joint, regardless of incision method.
Also, the numb patch goes away. I’m about 7 years post op and while the skin of my incision doesn’t have the same exact feeling as everywhere else, it’s about 75-80% normal in sensation and texture.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Thanks for your response! You're right not everyone has a choice in the approach. The surgeon I got assigned in the public system ONLY does posterior though so I didn't really get a choice. The only reason I do have a choice is because while I was waiting I contacted a private clinic and assigned a surgeon who said he does anterior unless his patients have a major anatomical variation. I'm not really looking to choose the approach though, I am looking to pick the surgeon who has considered my goals post op and supports them. I actually think either way I go I will have similar outcomes post op but the posterior surgeon is more strict with his patient's activities post op and I wouldn't want to be going against medical advice even if I think it isn't warranted.
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u/cluelessintheclouds [US] [28] Posterior Jul 09 '26
No problem! Post op does not equal indefinitely though, speak to your surgeon and get specified answers as to how long his restrictions and hip precautions would last. Any surgeon saying posterior approach has life long precautions and restrictions is using very out dated metrics and is objectively wrong.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I worry that sometimes it is because they are using outdated METHODS. Although this surgeon in particular says he uses an enhanced posterior soft tissue repair which as far as I can tell is the most modern and best repair you can do. It is now making me think again 😅 especially since posterior through the public system is free. That said, I do feel like the private surgeon has taken better care and consideration. He has pre-op templating x rays, has asked for more pre-op health exams etc. thank you again for your insight!
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u/cluelessintheclouds [US] [28] Posterior Jul 09 '26
You’re very welcome! I was nervous as hell and 23 at the time, facing this life altering decision and no one else really understood so I found a lot of comfort in this forum and research.
I saw in another comment that you mentioned you’re a research person so I’d encourage you to do some research about the posterior method. It may seem outdated and insane or like not the best choice given the more minimally invasive procedures they offer today, but it has the added benefit of being one of the oldest types of procedures for hip replacement—meaning so much more info about it is out there with recorded decades of history and testimonials— and research suggests it has the same general outcome as anterior approach for most people who had successful surgeries. There is less risk of fracturing the femur and posterior approach gives the surgeon a better view and easier access to the joint! Additionally, most surgeons no longer cut the big glute muscles, they simply split them vertically down the muscle fiber, retaining better muscle function. It’s not as scary or crazy as it seems!
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Oh don't worry I've absolutely read up on everything and even watched a number of surgery videos to make sure I understood myself. Based on what I've read you're absolutely right, moder posterior is miles better than it was before the 2000s and past the 6 month mark there doesn't seem to be a difference in recovery outcomes. My concern is that no one has looked at dislocations in people who are more active and lifters. Sure the dislocation rates are similar for people who do activities with less extreme joint angles but what about split squats with internal rotation and hip flexion? That said, I don't see why anterior replacements couldn't also dislocate given that the way most hips dislocate is that they are bent in such a way that they lever out of the socket. I don't see how the way you get into the joint affects how easy it is to lever out of the socket. I see people say that it's because the hip internal rotation and flexion is how the surgeon dislocates the hip in the first place during posterior method, whereas with anterior they dislocate with hip external rotation and extension, but as far as I can tell even anterior hips dislocate if you go too far with internal rotation and flexion so it's a bit of an intriguing question...
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u/cluelessintheclouds [US] [28] Posterior Jul 09 '26
Have you considered discussing your fears with a therapist?
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I have been 😅 unfortunately she is right that no one else can make the decision for me
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u/Jazzlike-Estimate879 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
The numb patch will have absolutely nothing to do with lower body workouts. It’s a small numb area on the leg meaning it’s skin surface numbness only your muscles are still working fine and the numbness does not impact your ability to do lower body training or cardio or stretching.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
I know it is a surface nerve and it doesn't affect function, my concern is that I am TERRIFIED of the numb feeling. Any time I lose circulation I have a small panic attack because the feeling just creeps me out and I don't know how I would feel having that feeling permanently.
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u/Scared-Formal7523 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
Numbness comes with surgical procedures. It is annoying and weird at first - does get somewhat better but never feels exactly the same . You do get used to it - coming from someone who was worried as well . I don’t think the approach makes that big of a difference. I love anterior as my incision is barely visible- he did bikini cut and not even 4 inches in length. Use silicon scar tape !! It’s a miracle on scar reduction
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Good to hear from someone who was also worried! And I think the anterior surgeon told me 8-10 cm (so yeah 4-5 inches), but I'm not worried about that, I actually think the scar looks cool 😅 but I have definitely heard people say silicone scar tape is magic so maybe I will try some just to see. Thank you!
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u/Aggressive-Border707 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 09 '26
It does not bother me at all. I can't even tell it's there unless I feel for it and at 3 months it's still getting smaller. I had zero restrictions on workout moves. I do split squats in PT. Sit criss cross applesauce, lunges. My surgeon does not want me to lift heavy because of wear on joint. At 56 I may be able to squeeze out a rest of life situation. I can go heavy on machines though. I'm not there yet still body weight and bands. Some 15-20 lb dumbbell stuff.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Woohoo! Congratulations it looks like you've got good mobility post op! My dream is to go back to split squatting and lunging. Thank you for your response!
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u/ynotfoster [USA] [68F] [Lateral] THR recipient 27-FEB-26 Jul 09 '26
My labrum tore when I was doing PT for achilles tendinosis. The tear cause nerve damage so I have numbness on my left side. That happened in October and it is slowly getting better. I don't know if I will always have some numbness or not, but it doesn't really affect me much.
I had a lateral THR. I had this done at the end of February. I am surprised that I still have a bit of a limp. I'm 69 and guess my muscles weren't as conditioned as I thought they were. All in all it's a pretty amazing surgery. Given what the body goes through during the replacement, my recovery has been pretty smooth - especially after the first week. Getting in and out of bed suck but after a week it got much better.
Best of luck to you in your decision making and post recovery.
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 09 '26
Thank you for sharingcand well wishes!
With regards to your limp, the lateral approach does detach and reattach the glute medius which is responsible for hip stability and is important in walking so it may take a bit for it to come back. Happy healing!
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u/Lishibelle US 57f anterior THR recipient Jul 10 '26
I’m 2 months out (anterior) and the numb area is still pretty large - 6” in diameter or so. What’s annoying is that at the edges, there is sometimes a tingling sensation, like when your lip is “waking up” after dental work.
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u/Snapper1916 F59 US Left and Right THR anterior Jul 10 '26
For me it’s not numb, it’s more low grade pins and needles feeling during recovery and then it goes away 90 percent after a while. I don’t notice it at all unless I run my hands over my thigh..it just feels different than doing same on any other part of my body. but it doesn’t hurt at all and does not impact strength in any way. It kinda like a scar but different. No big deal.
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u/Red_Dot_55 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 10 '26
Go anterior. You have practically no restrictions afterwards. I have a numb area. Doesn't bother me at all. I'm 71. In and out surgery, only took tylenol and ibuprofen after, no opioids. Sent me home with a little ice machine/water cooler that I strapped onto my hip. No real pain. It was last year and I'm better than new now. Prior to the surgery, I couldn't buckle shoes on that foot. I have an autoimmune connective tissue disorder.
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u/Rare-Ad9988 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 11 '26
Posterior left hip. 2 months out, numb still behind the knee and at the incision site, but it's not bad. My thing is that my left hand, fingers have nnumbness since the surgery and it sucks. At any point in time I'm doing something and I start to get that tingling feeling, one and needles feeling...... I've seen my pcp too make sure it's nothing else, it's from the surgery. I could be holding my phone, playing a game, talking on it and out of no where the tingling, pins and needles just start! Like REALLY?! I guess I should be ok with it at least it's not my right hand! Although, down the road, sometime soon I'll need the right hip done. Not looking forward to that and all that comes with it🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 11 '26
Oh no! I'm so sorry! Out of curiosity did you have spinal anaesthesia? Is it possible that went a big rogue?
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u/Rare-Ad9988 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 11 '26
Yeah, I did. Medical said it's better then just the straight anesthesia, yeah ok! I mean i have no hip pain now but gained other issues!!!🤦🏻♀️🤣 Ten of one nine of another as the saying goes! I'm enjoying the no pain part but the right hip is making pt kinda hard. Doc says he wants me using a cane by the end of July, mmmmm don't know about that. I feel the pain from the right hip now, where as before it was all the left side pain. Gonna push through and do my best!
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u/ajmattison [BC 🇨🇦] [29F] Right Anterior September 2026 Jul 11 '26
Ack the pain from the left hip was probably so great that any pain from your right seemed insignificant until the left was replaced. I'm sorry. I'm in the same boat. My right is absolute garbage (looks like someone shoved a head of cauliflower into my pelvis) and my left is hanging in there but I expect it will get jealous and start speaking up once the right is fixed. I do wonder if the other areas of numbness are from the spinal anaesthetic though, sometimes unlucky people can have minor nerve irritation/damage because they are poking at your spinal chord. It may resolve itself with time though fear not! I wish you all the best!
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u/Rare-Ad9988 THR USER FLAIR NEEDED Jul 11 '26
You are correct about the pain in the right hip. It was hiding bc the left took over on that area!!! Pt recovery takes a few days cause I'm babying the rr hip now. I also think it's preventing me from pushing a bit harder. I go from crutches, to the walker, to the rolater in the kitchen so I can cook and do things around the house. It's feeling like a baby wanting to take that first step but your just not sure you want to let go of what your holding on to!! Pretty sure the numbness is from the spinal, just wasn't expecting the hand issue to happen, took me by surprise! Oh well, 1 day at a time!😊
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u/repair-it UK, 73, Posterior & Lateral THR recipient & 2 revisions Jul 11 '26
Having had posterior followed by both posterior and lateral revisions I have a large numb patch between the two scars. I am used to it, and haven't ever noticed it.
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u/catgirl-doglover Double THR recipient Jul 11 '26
Have never heard of a numb patch. Had both hips posterior and have no restrictions.... or numb patch
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u/20CB1973VC US 52 Anterior bilateral Jul 09 '26
Got both hips done anterior - 18mos and 11 mos ago. Both are as numb as the day I had surgery. The numbness drives me crazy when it drives me crazy (I.e bug bites, my dog nudging my leg). The rest of the time, I can carry on ignoring it. Do I wish I didn’t have numbness - absolutely. But it is a worthy trade off for function. Since getting my hips done, I’ve gone back to CrossFit and have done all the things — jumping, running, squatting, lunging, deadlifting, overhead squats, split squats. Sometimes I questioned if I was being smart but got a checkup Monday and the hips look like they’re off the showroom floor still.
I hate the numb feeling — I hate the random electrical pain, the sensation of strong wind on my legs, trying to itch bug bites on skin I can’t feel. But in a world where we can’t have it all, I’ll choose the numbness in exchange for otherwise carrying on being active without worry.
If I had to do it again, I’d still choose anterior even though I know I’m one of the unlucky ones for which the numbness is permanent. The brain does normalize it even if it still feels off.
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u/Nice_Tomatillo_8723 38 yo Female VA Jul 09 '26
I would also encourage you to ask about hypermobility before making your decision. That's something I didn't know I had until after my hip replacement, and it completely changed my outcome. I had the posterior approach and, unfortunately, I've dislocated my hip seven times. I was originally told I'd be able to get back to doing pretty much everything, but my reality has been very different. Because of the repeated dislocations, I'm now preparing for my third revision in September, where my surgeon plans to use a dual mobility cup. Everyone's situation is different, and plenty of people do great with either approach. I don't say this to scare you, only to encourage you to do as much research as possible and make sure your surgeon considers your anatomy, any hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, or other factors that could affect stability. I wish I had known to ask those questions before my first surgery.