Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation

In knee arthroplasty, rehabilitation implemented after the surgery is of high importance for the patient’s final well-being. Purposes of the rehabilitation are to prevent the negative effects of immobility such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, to enable an adequate and functional range of motion, to strengthen surrounding muscles to maintain joint stability, and to increase the patient’s quality of life by ensuring patient’s independence.

In the first day after the surgery, range of motion exercises should be start. Patients should not be allowed to bend their knees even slightly as they attempt to relax. Knee should be kept in a straight position (in extension). As for the cemented total knee replacements, load can be applied with walker on the knee beginning on the first day to a degree where patient can tolerate. In cementless and hybrid replacements, full loading starts after 6th week. From the first day, rehabilitation purposes are attempted to achieve with step by step exercises, physical therapy applications, and devices.

Hip Arthroplasty Rehabilitation

After the total hip replacement, purpose of the rehabilitation is having the patient achieve an independent lifestyle in her/his daily life activities and business life by taking measures against loosening of replacement, mobilizing the patient in an early phase, preventing the negative effects of immobility (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, decubitus ulcers), ensuring patient’s independence with assistive walking devices, providing mobility without pain, and strengthening muscles surrounding the hip.

Full load can be applied starting on the 3rd day in cemented replacements. In cementless replacements, mobility is ensured without imposing any loads on the feet with the help of a walker during the first six weeks. Maximum stability is reached after 6 months. For the patients who are allowed to apply full or partial weight, an assistive walking device is recommended for at least 2 months. In general, patient walks with a walker or two crutches in the first month, walks with one crutch or a cane in the second month, and it last for 6 months.

A pillow should be placed between legs while lying on the bed in the first month. Depending on the surgery and patient’s condition, positions, exercises and devices are applied gradually, and rehabilitation purposes are accomplished.