What is the rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery?
Patients may be encouraged to get out of bed on the day following surgery with assistance. The amount of weight that is allowed to be placed on the injured leg is generally a function of the type of fracture and repair (replacement or fixation).
The physiotherapist will work with the patient to help regain strength and the ability to walk, This process may take up to few months.
Hip replacement surgery
When patients feel less pain, they can try sitting up. Patients who have undergone hip replacement may require a special hip chair to prevent hip dislocation at the early rehabilitation phase. Rehabilitation is initiated immediately and patients can usually walk with their full weight on the implant. Home environment assessments by occupational therapist sometimes are necessary.
After hip replacement surgery, doctor may use an abduction pillow for temporary immobilization of lower limbs. It can be replaced by a sling later on, and patients can then move their limbs more freely.
Fixation surgery
Patients are usually allowed to begin walking immediately following surgery. In some cases, if there were small fracture fragments or difficulty with alignment of the fracture, weight may be restricted. Most commonly, patients will get up with the physiotherapist few days following surgery. Time for complete healing is usually about few months, but most patients are walking well before that time.
Medical Care
Occasionally, a blood transfusion may be required after surgery. Long term antibiotics are generally not necessary.
Patients may be discharged to their home or find that a stay in a rehabilitation facility is necessary.
Follow Up Care
During the appointments that take place after surgery, the surgeon will want to check the wound, follow the healing process using X-rays, and prescribe additional physiotherapy, if necessary.