Bone-Sparing, Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty Surgery (Metal-on-Metal Device)
Last updated Friday, January 18, 2008
RehabilitationPhysical therapy Early mobilization after hip
resurfacing is critical for achieving optimal function.
Arthritic hips are stiff. One of the major goals
of total hip resurfacing arthroplasty surgery is to relieve much of this
stiffness. However, after surgery, scar tissue will tend to emerge and will limit
movement unless mobilization is started immediately. This early mobilization is
facilitated by the complete surgical release of the tight tissues so that after
surgery the patient has only to maintain the motion achieved at the operation.
Later on, after the hip is comfortable and more flexible, strengthening
exercises and additional activities are started.Rehabilitation options It
is often most effective for the patient to carry out his or her own exercises
so that they are done frequently, effectively and comfortably. Usually, a
physical therapist or the surgeon instructs the patient in the exercise program
and advances it at a rate that is comfortable and beneficial for the patient.
For the first six weeks after surgery, emphasis is placed on optimizing mobility
and strengthening. At six weeks, the strengthening exercises may be gradually
increased in intensity.Can rehabilitation be done at home? In
general the exercises are best performed by the patient at home. Occasional
visits to the surgeon or therapist may be useful to check the progress and to
review the program.Usual response Patients
often experience significant increases in range of motion, comfort and function
with this procedure, and those benefits could be aided by rehabilitation. If
the exercises are uncomfortable, difficult, or painful, the patient should
contact the therapist or surgeon promptly.Risks This
is a safe rehabilitation program with little risk.Duration of rehabilitation Once
the range of motion and strength goals are achieved, the exercise program can
be cut back to a minimal level. However, gentle stretching is recommended on an
ongoing basis.Returning to ordinary daily activities In general, patients are able to
perform gentle activities with the operated leg the day after surgery. Walking
with assistance is strongly encouraged. Driving should wait until the patient
can perform the necessary functions comfortably and confidently.
With the surgeon’s consent, patients
can often return to activities such as swimming, light hiking, bicycling, golf,
and doubles tennis in three to six months after surgery.
Stressful activities and activities with the leg
in extreme positions must be avoided until several months after the surgery and
then only if the hip is comfortable and strong.Long-term patient limitations Many
surgeons allow patients to return to pre-surgery activities (bicycling, hiking)
and an active lifestyle. While
hip resurfacing implants may be more durable in the long run than traditional
total hip replacement implants, there are still several restrictions that should
be observed.
For example, high impact loading (contact sports, jogging, etc.) on the
operated hip is not recommended. If
there are questions about certain activities, they should be discussed directly
with the surgeon.Costs The
therapist and the patient’s insurance provider should have the information on
the usual cost of the rehabilitation program.Surgery for Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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