Resurfacing with Direct Anterior Approach w/ Dr. Carter

[Pat Walter]

Note: Pat is posting this message for Bob

I recently had hip resurfacing using the direct anterior approach with Dr Carter in Newport News,Virginia. I had this on June 6, six days ago. I would like to thank Pat and her wonderful web site which answered all of my questions about this procedure. The posts and information from BIG BILL and SGOULET, who both also had the direct anterior approach, were both useful and made me feel I had made the right decision in using the doctor that I did use. DR Carter has only done a dozen hip resurfacings but has been using the anterior approach for many years for thps.
I may be prematurely happy but I hardly have any pain. I can get up from a sitting position with no pain . I am using a walker but I'll probably go get a cane today. I am 60 and was playing golf 4 times a week before the operation with a lot of pain and riding a cart. Before the operation I was doing leg lifts and other exercises using the gym equipment which may be helping my recovery. I'm hoping to drive the ball another 10-20 yard further, unfortunately there's no evidence this procedure helps your putting.
My surgeon used J&J's De Puy ASR device I believe because he has been using them for many years for thps. I read the explanation and benefits of this device on Dr Joel Matta"s website. Very low resistance to wear, and very large head to prevent dislocation.
Pat, I would like to mention that on the discussion of approaches one of the doctors stated that the true anterior approach could not be used for resurfacing. That probably was true before the advent of the Smith Peterson table which is a $150,000 table that most orthopedic surgeons do not have and probably do not want to invest in since they are sucessful and familiar and have been taught the posterior or anterior lateral approach in school. With this approach no muscles are cut, only retracted out of the way. It is possible to cut the cutaneous nerve whic would cause numbness on a small portion of upper thigh. Healing and risk of dislocation would be greatly reduced with no muscle cutting.
I'd like to hear any thoughts. again great web site.
BOB I

[Big Bill]

Bob...great to hear you came to the other side ! Hope all continues well and you get back in the game. I am soon to approach my 1 year anniversary ;D. I still have an occasional clunk and a small nerve "numb spot". No pain ...all pleasure ! The clunk has all but gone away and the numb spot seems much smaller,but may never totally be gone.  :-\  This procedure,  Dr Kreuzer and team have given me back my active lifestyle. If you like the pool , water aerobics works wonders! Bob ....slow and steady...please feel free to contact me if you have any Q's .

Best Regards, Big Bill    C.A.S.H.   8)