Active rehabilitation importance in patients with primary total hip replacement

Abstract

Primary arthroplasties represent an important option for the patients that sustain pain and disabilities produced by the arthroses with particular hip or knee localizations. Even if we can obtain pain relief and effort minimization by surgery, a rehabilitation program is required for a fast mobility and functionality recovery; thus, limping will be diminished or abolished and the patient will recover an independent life style. Thus, all indices of life quality could be restored, mainly due to active assisted recovery program. Material and method: We have performed this pilot retrospective study on a group of 30 patients investigated and operated between 1st of January- 31 December 2011 in the Orthopaedic Clinic in the Rehabilitation Hospital in Iasi, Romania. To evaluate preoperative and postoperative life quality at 3 and 9 months, we have used Harris questionnaire and scoring system. Results: We have observed a good correlation among the general Harris scores applied pre and postoperatively at 3 and 9 months. The Harris score evolution showed a progressive linear improvement at 3 and 9 months postoperatively. All items have improved, except absence of deformity item, which remained quasi constant, with only a slight improvement. A special mention is to be performed for the pain item which score have dramatically improved in postoperative steps. Also walking scores were considerably improved, probably due to active exercise recovery in a consistent well organized schedule.

Key words:

total hip replacement, Harris score, life quality

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