After suffering for over 5 years with pain when I walked, I finally had my hip replaced. It was a traditional procedure, however, I have a very small incision and he didn't cut the muscles either. I was up the day of surgery - slept two nights in the hospital - could have left after 1, but the food was great! I came home to 14 stairs which with help I got up. He did it with a spinal anesthesia and conscious sedation, so I didn't have to recover from general anesthesia. My recovery was completely uneventful. I was driving on the surgery side in 3.5 weeks. I couldn't be more pleased with this - I had myself scared over recovery which is why I delayed it. I'm sorry I wasted so much time being in pain. Anyway, that was my experience.