Personalized rehabilitation therapy in obese and elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery

Abstract

Due to aging of the population and the desire of people to maintain the best possible mobility, the demand for hip replacement is increasing. As a result, personalization of physical therapy after surgery is needed to achieve the best possible outcomes. However, patients undergoing hip replacement surgery often have additional factors, such as advanced age and obesity, which may hinder the process of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to review the need and recommendations for personalized physical therapy before and after hip replacement surgery in patients with co-morbid factors such as advanced age and obesity. The research literature emphasizes the importance of effective recovery following hip replacement surgery. Older patients may require prolonged postoperative rehabilitation due to the type of surgery, muscle weakness or cognitive dysfunction. Proprioception and balance disorders may benefit from training on an unstable surface aimed at learning safe falling and getting up after a fall. Weakened gluteal muscles which may be present in the elderly and obese may benefit from strength training in the preoperative period. Excessive exposure of the elderly and obese to thromboembolic complications necessitate the inclusion in rehabilitation programs of exercises based on active ankle movement.

Keywords

• rehabilitation
• arthroplasty
• replacement
• hip replacement