How much do you know about Total Hip Replacements?
-Total hip replacement/arthroplasty is a common surgical intervention that is performed for severe arthritis or hip fracture when all other conservative treatments fail.
-The goal of total hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and restore or improve the ability to safely perform functional activities like walking, standing, stair climbing, or running.
-There are two types of surgeries for Total Hip Replacements: Total Hip Arthroplasty (both the head of the femur as well as the hip socket is replaced) and Hemiarthroplasty (only the head of the femur is replace).
-Post surgery most hip replacements require the patient to not perform certain movements for up to 10 weeks or longer (i.e. hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, hip adduction, hip internal rotation) to help reduce the risk of dislocation.
-More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
-The best way to prevent the need for total hip replacement surgery is to prevent a fall.
-Your physical therapist can help you reduce your chances of falling by evaluating your risk and prescribing regular weight-bearing exercises. Your therapist can also recommend changes in your home environment, such as removing trip hazards like unstable rugs, or adding grab bars in the bathroom.
***Contact your physician to refer you to physical therapy for a full evaluation following surgery for immediate attention and a quicker recovery!***
This information and more about Total Hip Replacements found at: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=1f495c5a-08cc-4e59-9fdd-8640fc2c0410
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Picture acquired from: https://www.mountnittany.org/articles/healthsheets/3942
