My first post! Yippee! Have been riding a hybrid for about four years and know absolutely nothing about pedals with clips/clipless, etc. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

I had a total hip replacement about a year and a half ago. Sometimes when I shift to make pedaling easier, my leg will fly out and off the pedal and cause a huge amount of pain in my new hip. Will the use of different pedals make a difference?

Am really enjoying reading all of the postings here, and the shopping is terrific.

Thanks in advance.