Joint Replacement

• Surgical procedure for chronic severe joint pain
• Replacement with prosthetic
• Loss of muscle strength and mass has usually occurred
• Most frequent procedures are THR and TKR

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

• Frequent procedure in elderly population
• May be done for OA or RA or hip fracture
• Aim is to decrease pain and improve mobility and function
• Partial – (hemi-arthroplasty) or full

Management

Risk of dislocation for approx 3 to 6 months post-operatively

• Anterior approach – avoid extension and abduction and external rotation
• Posterior approach avoid flexion above 90 and adduction / internal rotation

Functional movements: what to avoid

• Sitting in a low chair (use wedge cushion)
• Lying on side – pillow between knees
• Avoid crossing legs over midline

Hip surgery recovery steps

• Carefully following the specific rehabilitation program provided your surgeon and his team
• Avoiding repetitive heavy lifting
• Avoiding excessive stair climbing
• Maintaining appropriate weight
• Staying healthy and active
• Avoiding impact-loading sports such as jogging, downhill skiing and high impact aerobics
• Consulting your surgeon before beginning any new sport or activity
• Thinking before you move
• Avoiding any physical activities involving quick stop-start motion, twisting or impact stresses
• Avoiding excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs
• Not lifting or pushing heavy objects
• Not kneeling
• Avoiding low seating surfaces and chairs