A patient talks to us about his operation: anterior THR surgery

One of the patients of Dr Pâcome PARIZON, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Hôpital Privé La Casamance, agreed to be interviewed about his experience of having an anterior total hip replacement (THR).

How would you describe your treatment?

I was operated on at the end of November. I had made an appointment with the doctor because a friend had recommended it to me.

It was my first operation, so I didn't know where to turn. I got on well with the surgeon, he took x-rays and told me I'd have to have a hip replacement, "it had to be done" [laughs]. He told me he was going to use a different technique that would enable me to recover more quickly.

I went back to La Casamance on Sunday and left on Thursday. When the doctor came to see me in my room after the operation, I asked him "Doctor, did you operate me properly? I didn't feel any pain. I didn't think he'd operated.

I was able to walk the day after the operation, normally with a walker because it was in my room, but I could walk without it. On the way out I went to the chemist to get some crutches, which I didn't really use - sometimes I forgot about them.

When I got home, even the home nurse couldn't believe it. I went bebop dancing a week later!

What changes have you noticed in your daily life following this operation?

I ride my motorbike and I dance. The operation made it easier for me to ride my motorbike. I couldn't open my left leg any more, but now I can.

I'm much more comfortable dancing too. "Do you know what bebop is? Well, it's pretty rhythmic" [laughs]. I was able to drive my car two days after leaving La Casamance.

I used to drink a little, now I don't at all. However, since the operation I've been feeling a little pinch in my groin. I spoke to the doctor about it and he told me it was normal and that it would go away with time.

If anyone around me asked me, I'd recommend this technique.

To find out more:

The anterior approach is minimally invasive surgery. Unlike "conventional" approaches, it does not cut the muscles and respects the nerves, thereby reducing post-operative risks. The scar is smaller (around 7 to 8 cm). The patient's recovery from the operation is accelerated and their quality of life improved.