>I had sliced my ankle wreck diving in South Africa last century and had a nice watering wound when flying back. Coming in early for check-in I showed my leg and was given the seat directly at emergency exit, which had more room than first class (we checked, as that is important for me being slightly on the longer side of the bell curve), but less comfortable seats. Would have been reseated if somebody more handicapped had boarded, but was lucky in that regard. One of the best flights of my life and not a penny more ;-)
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>The security of knowing that I can make the flight in relative comfort is worth more than the money to me :)

Perhaps the added leg room might be more important for you then - no idea if new hips add to the wish/need to be able to position your legs freely. For me it was wonderful, as I could put the leg up - it was like train compartment with the places facing me occupied only on takeoff and landing.