Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure designed to replace a damaged or worn-out hip joint with an artificial implant. This procedure is often recommended for individuals suffering from severe hip pain or disability. During a THR, the head of the femur is replaced with a prosthetic head on a shaft, and the joint surface of the acetabulum is lined with a bowl-shaped synthetic joint surface.
- Severe hip osteoarthritis is the most common indication for total hip replacement. Chronic pain and stiffness that limit daily activities and do not respond to conservative treatments are the best indications for surgery.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an inflammatory joint disease that causes pain and joint damage.
- Severe hip fractures that cannot be repaired with other methods.
- Do not bend the hip more than 90 degrees.
- Avoid sitting on low chairs or bending forward to pick objects up from floor
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Do not twist your torso while the legs are stationary.
- Using a higher toilet seat can help prevent excessive bending of the hip.
- Use assistive devices to maintain stability and reduce strain on the hip.
- Avoid sleeping on the operated side for at least 6-8 weeks. A pillow between the legs can help maintain proper alignment.
Aim of Physiotherapy is to improve strength and gait speed, help prevent complications such as subluxation and thromboembolic disease; increases the patient’s mobility and offers education about the exercises and precautions that are necessary during hospitalization and after discharge.
- Phase 1: Immediate Post-Surgical Phase (Day 0 -3)
- Pain and swelling management
- Gait training with assistive device
- Patient education on hip precautions
- Therapeutic exercise such as gentle range of motion exercise, isometric exercise performed within hip dislocation precautions
- Phase 2: Mobility Phase (Week 1 – 6)
- Strengthening exercise to restore muscle strength of operated leg
- Proprioception and balance training
- Endurance training
- Continue gait training
- Normalize all functional activities
- Phase 3: Strengthening Phase (Week 6 – 12)
- Strengthening exercise to regain normal muscle strength
- Training to return to baseline functional activities
- Begin light recreational activities
- Continue endurance training, proprioception and balance training
- Continue gait training
- Phase 4: Advance Phase (12 Weeks and beyond)
- Therapeutic exercise to return to appropriate recreational sports/activities as indicated
- Enhance strength, endurance and proprioception as needed for activities of daily living and recreational activities
- Return-to-work training
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Physiotherapy helps reduce pain, improve movement, and support recovery. Let us guide you to better health.
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