Postoperative Care following Hip Fracture Surgery
After a successful hip fracture surgery, patients need to learn ways to keep the operated hip stable until the bones and the soft tissues have all healed, orthopedic surgeons say, stressing the need for patients to understand the necessary changes that may have to be applied in their daily activities and lifestyles. Here are a few of the most important postoperative care that may improve the outcome of their rehabilitation.
Ample Rest. For the first 24 hours after the procedure, it is highly recommended that patients take some time to rest after long hours of surgery. This boosts the body’s immune response which is highly significant in the recovery of the patient.
Physical Therapy. This includes the gradual introduction of weight-bearing exercises and leg-strengthening routines that are tolerable to the patient. The length and inte
nsity of
the activities may be increase progressively until the patient may successfully resume his or her daily activities with limited assistance and without difficulty. The stre
ngth of the legs and the range of motion of the hips are constantly checked by the physical therapist to determine the kinds of exercises the patient needs.
Proper Use of Mobility Aids. The surgeon or physical therapist assesses what type of assistive walking devices best fit for the patient’s situation. Crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs provide support in different ways. Both the doc
tor and the patient may have to pick one or two of these devices for the patient to use in his or her daily activities. The physical therapist may also provide instructions on positioning techniques to safely use the device during walking, standing up from a seated position and going up and down the stairs.
Medications. Prior to discharge, instructions on which medications to continue at home will be given. Usually, a 7-day oral antibiotic regimen may be required especially for highly invasive procedures such as a total hip replacement. Analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed. Patients need to be adequately informed on the proper dosage and timing of these medications.
Nutrition. Choosing the right kinds of food to include in one’s diet is also important to speed up recovery from a surgical procedure. High-protein foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, beans and nuts are highly recommended to enhance tissue repair. Eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals are also encouraged to help patient avoid constipation, a possible complication following surgery.
All of these may lead to a better and faster recovery period for the patient. Following doctors’ instructions and promptly reporting unusual symptoms help maximize the therapeutic effects of medical and surgical interventions for hip fractures. For more information check the DePuy Hip Recall News Center.
References:
emedicine.medscape.com/article/87043-treatment#aw2aab6b6b2
gtarehabnetwork.ca/uploads/File/tools/Clinical-Care-Guidelines-for-Hip-Fracture-Acute-Care.pdf
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18198967
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