Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty

Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty

Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty

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Rehabilitation Goals & Principles - Rehab Roadmap

  • Goals: ↓Pain, ↑ROM & strength, restore function (ADLs), prevent complications (DVT, dislocation), patient education.
  • Principles: Early mobilization, progressive & individualized exercises, pain management, multidisciplinary team.
  • Roadmap Phases:
    • I (Post-op): Pain/edema control, DVT prevention, assisted mobility, gentle ROM.
    • II (Recovery): Wean aids, ↑strength & ROM, functional tasks.
    • III (Return to Function): Advanced exercises, activity-specific training.

⭐ Early mobilization post-arthroplasty significantly reduces risks of DVT and improves functional outcomes. Bridge Progression Exercisesoka

Phases of Arthroplasty Rehab - Recovery Relay

⭐ Progression between rehabilitation phases is criteria-based, not strictly time-based, focusing on achieving functional milestones.

Joint-Specific Protocols (Hip & Knee) - Hip & Knee How-Tos

  • Total Hip Arthroplasty (THR):
    • Focus: Early mobilization, Weight-Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT), Range of Motion (ROM), strengthening.
    • Posterior Approach Precautions: Avoid hip flexion >90°, adduction past midline, internal rotation for 6-12 weeks. Use abduction pillow.
    • Anterior Approach: Generally fewer restrictions; avoid forceful extension & external rotation.

    ⭐ For posterior approach THR, patients must avoid hip flexion >90°, adduction past midline, and internal rotation for 6-12 weeks to prevent dislocation.

  • Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKR):
    • Goals: Full extension (0°), flexion >110-120° for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
    • Focus: Early mobilization, WBAT, pain/edema control (ice, elevation).
    • Key Exercises: Ankle pumps, quadriceps sets, heel slides, Straight Leg Raises (SLR), active knee extension, gentle assisted flexion. Total Hip Replacement Recoveryoka

Core Rehabilitation Techniques - Therapy Toolkit

  • Early Phase (Days 1-7):
    • Cryotherapy & compression (e.g., Cryo/Cuff, Game Ready)
    • Pain management: multimodal analgesia
    • Gentle Range of Motion (ROM): passive (PROM), active-assisted (AAROM)
    • Isometric exercises (quadriceps, gluteal sets)
    • Ankle pumps, deep breathing exercises (DVT/PE prophylaxis)
    • Mobilization with assistive devices (walker, crutches)
  • Intermediate Phase (Weeks 2-6):
    • Progressive ROM: active (AROM)
    • Strengthening: isotonic, closed-chain exercises (mini-squats, leg press)
    • Gait training: weaning off assistive devices
    • Proprioception & balance exercises
  • Late Phase (Weeks 6+):
    • Advanced strengthening: open-chain exercises (cautiously), functional exercises
    • Sport/activity-specific training

Post-Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Exercises

⭐ Closed-chain exercises are generally preferred in early TKA rehab as they minimize tibiofemoral shear forces and enhance proprioception.

  • Modalities: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle activation, TENS for pain relief (adjunctive).

Complications, Precautions & Outcomes - Safety Signals & Scorecards

  • Complications:
    • Early: DVT/PE, Infection, Dislocation.
    • Late: Loosening, Osteolysis, Wear.
  • Precautions (Hip Post. Approach):
    • Avoid: Flexion >90°, adduction, internal rotation.
    • (📌 BCT: No Bends, Crossing, Twisting in)
  • Outcomes & Scores:
    • ↑Function, ↓Pain.
    • Scores: HHS, OKS.
  • ⚠️ Safety Signals:
    • DVT: Calf pain/swell/warmth (Wells).
    • Infection: Fever, redness, discharge.
    • Dislocation: Pain, deformity.

⭐ Sudden onset of calf pain, swelling, and warmth post-arthroplasty should raise immediate suspicion for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Early mobilization post-op is key to prevent DVT and enhance recovery.
  • Weight-bearing (FWBAT vs. PWB) depends on prosthesis fixation (cemented vs. uncemented).
  • CPM machine use shows limited benefit in routine TKA/THA recovery.
  • Rehab goals: pain control, restoring ROM, muscle strengthening, achieving functional independence.
  • DVT prophylaxis (mechanical & pharmacological) is a critical component.
  • Specific THA precautions (e.g., posterior: avoid flexion >90°, adduction, internal rotation) prevent dislocation.

Practice Questions: Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty

Test your understanding with these related questions

A pole vaulter had a fall during pole vaulting and had paralysis of the arm . Which of the following investigations gives the best recovery prognosis -

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Flashcards: Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty

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Girdlestone arthroplasty preserves the hip joint _____.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Girdlestone arthroplasty preserves the hip joint _____.

mobility

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