Total hip replacement - minimal invasive and classic methods

[Guest guest]

Hello, I'm new to this group. My name is Margaret, age 64, living in

north Israel. I am considering hip replacement surgery, would like

advice and thoughts regarding " minimal invasive " and " classic "

methods.

I had my right hip replaced 4 years ago in Hadassah Hospital,

Jerusalem, using the minimal invasive technique - was very pleased

with the results! I was in hospital 4 days, then discharged straight

home, and was able to manage from then on with one hour daily home

help (provided by my local health clinic - I live alone.) Very small

incision - only 10cm. Quicker healing and recovery. This would be

my choice again, all other things being equal. However, it was very

expensive (even though my insurance covered most of it). Also,

Jerusalem is a long way from my home – more than 3 hours by car

(longer by bus).

Now my left hip needs to be done. This time, the orthopaedic doctor

in my local clinic is suggesting that I have the surgery done at a

local hospital here in the north (Poriyya Hospital, near Tiberias).

This would be free, fully covered by my health fund. Also much

nearer home (less than an hour), easier to get to for consultation

and post-op checkups.

However, the surgeons here in the north don't use the minimal

invasive technique, only the regular classic technique (which

involves a bigger incision – about 22cm) – therefore takes longer to

heal and rehabilitate; I was told I might have to spend 2-3 weeks in

a rehabilitation unit before returning home. Several friends with

whom I've spoken have also told me that the orthopaedic department at

Poriyya Hospital does not have a good reputation (similarly with

other hospitals in the north) –and I have heard stories (some first-

hand) of orthopaedic operations that have gone wrong... The

general consensus among people I've talked to is that hospitals in

the centre of the country are of a higher standard and give better

treatment and care than the local hospitals; and that I should go

there if at all possible.

Since I live alone and have no family in this country, it is

especially important to me to regain my mobility and independence as

quickly as possible. However, distance and expense are also a big

consideration for me, as I am a retired pensioner, not working, with

limited income and savings. It would be much less expensive to have

the surgery done locally, near home.

I would like to hear other people's experiences of both types of

surgery – especially the post-op recovery / rehabilitation period.

How long did it take you to return to normal activity? To drive a

car? Is there much difference between the recovery / rehab process

of the two methods?

Margaret in north Israel