Good Afternoon,
I am 75 years old. I am 19 days post op from a total left hip replacement. This was a Direct Anterior Approach surgery. I had a total right hip replacement in 2004. It is a different world today. I would have been sent home the same day if under 70, but alas I am 75, I had to stay overnight. Had me up walking with walker late afternoon of day of surgery. (I will say this isn't too much different than 2004......walking same day and home on am of day 3). Both instance came home with cane. This time I am walking without cane since day 10. Very little pain and no pain meds (same as in 2004).
Things that are different.......not on Coumadin, no restrictions with 90', no PT - walk, walk, walk is the current rule, no pt. no need for higher toilet seat, no restrictions with sleeping (sleep on any side, etc.), 2004 procedure incision was closed with staples. This one they now use Dermabond Prineo Skin Closure System (basically gluing the incision together with mesh and liquid adhesive). Look it up online very interesting video.
The Anterior Approach is a one hour procedure. Muscle and ligaments are not cut.....they are moved out of the way so that the ball and cup are available for the surgeon. This is tremendous advance for the healing process and cuts down the likely hood of blood clots.
BTW.....my surgeries completed by Rothman Institute surgeons.....2004 Dr. Hozack, 2019 Dr. Ong. Both excellent surgeons and both worked on this new procedure.