Rehabilitation Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Rehabilitation professionals play an important role in the comprehensive postoperative management of the patient who has undergone a total hip replacement. Understanding the general surgical considerations that eventually impact the rehabilitation process is essential. Coordination of physicians, physical and occupational therapists, social services, and family members results in better quality of care. The technology and design of hip prostheses and fixation methods impact the functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty. Professionals involved in total hip arthroplasty rehabilitation should also understand the potential complications following total hip arthroplasty that oftentimes cause delays or revisions in the rehabilitation program. When these are combined with appropriate preoperative patient selection and education, as well as postoperative physical and occupational therapy programs, most patients are able to achieve a satisfactory functional outcome, including independence in basic activities of daily living and independent ambulation with an assistive device.