Question
I was told about a year ago that I need a hip replacement, and have been putting it off. (I'm 50 and was quite active prior to this hip getting so bad. Still worried about restrictions on what I am "allowed" to do after surgery, but it is becomming a moot point!)  In  the meantime, I have learned of a much less invasive version with smaller incision(s) and less cutting of muscle and tendon;  my brother-in-law had such a procedure, and recovered quickly.  There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in my area that do this procedure, and all are acceptable on my insurance plan.  What advice can you give me on choosing among the available docs?  Is it legit to ask PTs their opinion, for example, since they see post-op patients (or is that treading on their professional ethics)? How about post-op complication rates for the MD and the hospital (I'm especially concerned about hospital-aquired infection and resisitant bacteria, esp with a hip replacement.)
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Kendra:

After you have hip surgery, regardless of the surgery you will have limitations.  You can't do anything that pounds the joints such as running or jogging.  You can bike, swim, walk, and even do "the step" exercise.  The main thing you need to watch for is your possible dislocations.  You will be given precautions on what not to do insofar as turning your legs inward, or bending over a 90 degree angle.  After awhile it becomes second nature and honestly you are without pain and giving up the above things, will be no problem.

I don't know much about the procedure you mention that your brother in law had but you need to find out as much as you can about it.  For instance, what is the failure rate?, What is the prognosis for how long the "fix" will last?  The recovery might be shorter, but will it stand up as long as a traditional hip replacement will?  Also, will your condition warrant that surgery as opposed to the traditional hip repalcement surgery, what is the type of disease you have and what will the best surgery be to help you.  Those are the questions you need to ask.  

Also, you can and should ask for patient referrals.  Ask for at least three people. One who is just post operative, one who is about 3 months out, and one who is about a year out.  See what they thought of the doctor and the surgery.  Ask whatever you want of them.  Just be aware that if the doctor gave you their names, they are "star" patients with no trouble.  Ask those patients if they know of anyone who had problems with the surgery.

Find out which of the five doctors does the most of the surgery.  The surgeon who performs the surgery the most will be most familiar with possible problems.

Most people fly through hip surgery fine, without infection.  The doctor will more than likely give you IV anitbiotics as a precaution, and then keep it going for about 3 days.  Which is also good because they keep the pain meds IV as well for about three days.  The infection rate is low from what I know and they really treat hip replacement people with kid gloves.

I hope this answers your question, and best of luck to you.