How long does the rehabilitation period last after total hip joint endoprosthesis?

The rate of recovery after hip joint replacement operation and rehabilitation program after this operation is determined by the reason which led to the necessity of performance of this operative intervention.

Thus, for example, in case operations on total hip joint endoprosthesis are performed in several days after cervical hip fracture, the muscles around the joint can perform their function as before and in this case a patient recovers in a short time. But when such an operation takes place in several years after the fracture, with muscle atrophy due to the patient’s inability to stand out on the leg, it takes more time and strengths for restoration of motor function.

Such a situation took place also in cases when the operation on hip joint replacement was performed due to arthrosis. Operative treatment completed in time reduces rehabilitation period and makes it possible to come back to a fulfilling life in a short time. In neglected cases of surgical pathology, when patients have been suffering from acute pain, rehabilitation takes more time. This is so because arthrosis causes negative disruptions not only in cartilages and bones, but also in muscles.

Rehabilitation period

Rehabilitation of patients after hip joint replacement aims at full social and domestic, functional and professional restoration of hip joint.

Its main principles are continuity, early start, complexity, sequence, individual approach.

Rehabilitation period starts at in-patient clinic, which lasts 2-3 weeks. After this it is reasonable to have a rehabilitation treatment at rehabilitation divisions of different healthcare establishments.

A physical training is a must before hip joint restoration operations.

Early rehabilitation period

Early rehabilitation period starts after the operation and its main aim is exclusion of complications at postoperative period, improvement of blood circulation and prevention of the development of venous thrombosis of lower limbs.

Physical exercises at this stage are obligatory! They will not only strengthen muscles, but also will make the joint more movable, reduce pain after the operation and will speed up the recovery.

In case the hip joint endoprosthesis operation is carried out under regional anesthesia it is necessary to do exercises after the effect of anesthesia when a patient has an ability to move his legs.

If at first stages it is quite difficult to do all exercises there is no need to be upset! It is important to start slowly and whenever possible to increase the intensity.

Exercises are not universal; the same exercises may be useful to one patient and contraindicative to another one. For this reason only a doctor can prescribe all necessary exercises.

After two-weeks staying in intensive care ward a patient is taken to a separate ward, where he/she takes therapy exercises individually. It is possible to walk in 5-7 days only with the help of a doctor at early stages.

Remote postoperative period

At remote postoperative period loading on the joint is gradually increasing. But its intensity and its stage which comes into 3 months is determined by a consulting physician. His main aim is to help a patient to come back to a normal life.

At this period the crutches, which have been used to walk, are changed into a cane, which is used by a patient during the following 6 months. Besides, a doctor prescribes a new complex of exercises which is necessary to do. At this stage it is possible to swim, ride a bike and ski.

It is strongly prohibited to lean forward. It is possible to do so only after doctor’s permission in case the doctor says a new joint has settled down and is fixed quite well.

For better effect with minimal consequences for a patient’s health, it is necessary to observe some precautions:

• to avoid falls,
• to avoid flexions of hip joint, turning out and turning in of feet, crossing legs, sitting diagonally or leaning to one side,
• to avoid simultaneous hip flexion for more than 900,
• to avoid being in one posture for more than 20 minutes,
• to take a rest regularly, being on feet
• periods of rest, spending little time on feet,
• it is not recommended to sleep on the side of a healthy leg, it is better to sleep on the back,
• to gradually increase the load on operated leg,
• to avoid taking anaesthetic drugs during therapy exercises,
• it is prohibited to drive a car within one and a half-two months after the operation,
• it is prohibited to lift heavy objects and carry them over.

Thus, obviously, rehabilitation after hip joint endoprosthesis is not only a long process, but it is also a very important one. Success after the operation and a patient’s return to a healthy and fulfilling life depend on the patient’s fulfillment of recommendations.

Specialized healthcare establishments of the Republic of Belarus offer you a wide range of rehabilitation procedures which are recommended after hip joint endoprosthesis.