For total hip replacement (anterior or posterior approach), hip resurfacing, and partial hip procedures. Use these as inspiration. The approach matters significantly for recovery.

About my procedure

1. What surgical approach do you recommend (anterior, posterior, lateral)? Why this one for me?
2. What kind of implant will you use (ceramic, metal, plastic — which combination)?
3. How long should the implant last, and what’s the revision likelihood at 15-20 years?
4. Do I need both hips, and if so, are they done at the same time or staged?

Hip precautions

1. What hip precautions will I have, and for how long?
2. Do these precautions vary by approach (anterior approach often has fewer)?
3. Can I sleep on my operative side? When?
4. Are there permanent precautions (no high-impact activities, etc.)?

Recovery timeline

1. When can I bear full weight?
2. Walker → cane → no aid timeline?
3. When can I drive (right vs left, automatic vs manual)?
4. When can I return to my job (mine specifically)?
5. When can I resume sex, exercise, hiking, golf, swimming, cycling?
6. When can I climb stairs normally?

Risks and outcomes

1. Risks specific to this approach (dislocation, leg-length difference, nerve, DVT)?
2. Your dislocation rate? Your infection rate?
3. What does an excellent vs good vs average outcome look like for someone my age?
4. Will I notice the implant in daily life — clicking, restriction, anything?

Home and logistics

1. Home setup: raised toilet seat, shower bench, hip kit?
2. Will I need help at home? For how long?
3. Pre-hab — exercises before surgery? Weight management?
4. What’s the discharge plan — same day, overnight, multiple days?