In reply to doc_h:
Can only relate my own experience.
56yo had total hip replacement with a dual mobility prosthetic, early April this year.
Was still climbing pretty well, but hip pain was starting to suck the fun out of it.
Aftermath of the surgery was pretty ugly...couldn't eat for two weeks, lost 25lbs...very sick and miserable (suprisingly not all that painful though, despite not taking any pain medication after about 5 days post op)
Once I recovered from the surgery, took a couple of months for the muscles to start getting their mojo back. I had lateral surgery which involves a longitudinal (vertical) slice down the Gluteus Medius. The disadvantage of this approach (as opposed to some of the less invasive approaches) being that the muscle takes a while to recover....the advantage being that post op and longer term, dislocation ( A problem with some of the other approaches) is very unlikely. Since I was planning to be very active after surgery, surgeon felt it was worth the longer recovery time.
Started easy climbing and stretching in early July. Stretching has been a bit of a revelation...I've always stretched a lot, but I'm now more flexible that I've ever been, and certainly far more than I was pre-op...the extra ROM feels great. Muscle weakness is rapidly disappearing at this point, although still struggle to get my foot in place on very high high-steps. Overall, I don't really notice it much while climbing, and I'm definitely climbing better than I was prior to the op (1 hanging a 7c that I've been using to get fit). Hanging in a harness is still quite uncomfortable though...probably the only time I really notice it now.
1. Modern prosthetic technology has improved greatly, my surgeon said mine will probably last me for the duration.
2. Younger patients have better recovery...bone density, muscle + tendon recovery etc.
3. Less risk from surgery...simply a function of a stronger, healthier body.
Unless your symptoms are mild and/or well-managed with very moderate pain medication use...I don't see much advantage to putting it of.