Surgical approach and Recovery Time?

[Steve]

I am currently 2 weeks Post-Op from a Stryker resurfacing.  I believe my Doctor used an anterolateral approach because:
- He indicated that he resected the muscles in my leg used for abduction (side movement). 
- Moving my leg forward from the Hip was extremely difficult after the surgery
- I also have no pain in the groin or but.

I am a little confused with the rehab that has been indicated by the Doctor.  He wants toe touch weight bearing for 6 weeks post op with crutches.  It does not seem like I am doint enough PT?  I called the office and they indicated that they do not want me to push PT for a while?

I read about people leaving the hospital on canes and walking around very soon after surgery.  Do you know if the recovery indicated from my Doctor is because he is very conservative or because of the surgical approach he used?

[Pat Walter]

Hi Steve

Most newer US surgeons are very conservative.  The overseas surgeons that have done thousands and thousands of resurfacings are usually much less conservative.  I was on one crutch at 4 days and none by 4 weeks with full weight bearing as soon as I my operated hip could bear the weight.

Sometimes people have more difficult hip problems and surgeons want to be more conservative too.  It is simply up to what the surgeon feels is best for the patient.

Be patient and you will soon be running around this summer.

Pat