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A Less Invasive Hip Replacement

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“How long will it take for me to recover from a total hip replacement surgery?” That’s the No. 1 question patients ask Dr. Logan Cooper, a fellowship-trained total joint and reconstructive specialist and orthopedic surgeon at East Falls Orthopaedics. Thanks to an advanced, minimally invasive approach to total hip replacement surgeries, Dr. Cooper assures patients that recovery is quicker than ever.

“It’s a difficult question to answer because every person is different and there’s not a clear moment when a person can declare they’ve recovered. So, I tell patients that 80 to 90 percent of recovery occurs during the first 6 weeks; then it takes several months to get that last 10 to 20 percent,” Dr. Cooper said. “But the good news is that research and literature consistently show a quicker and easier recovery for patients who undergo an anterior approach to total hip replacement.”

An anterior approach means the surgeon accesses the damaged ball-and-socket joint by entering from the front of the hip. With the frontal entry point, the surgery is minimally invasive, only requiring one small incision and muscle-sparing, as surgeons don’t need to cut through muscle at all.

“Because I don’t cut muscle to access the hip joint, patients have a less painful recovery and they can tolerate activities earlier and have fewer restrictions post-operatively,” Dr. Cooper explained.

Benefits of an anterior approach to hip replacement surgery include:

Earlier hospital discharge, with some patients returning home the same day
Less postoperative pain
Faster recovery times
More functionality during recovery at home
Lower risk of a persistent limp after surgery
Lower risk of hip dislocating after surgery

During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the patient’s worn-out or damaged bone and cartilage with a prosthetic implant made of metal, ceramic and hard plastic. The surgery takes a few hours, and patients begin walking with assistance on their new hip soon after they’re awake and alert.

One caveat with the anterior approach to total hip replacement surgery: Patients need a surgeon trained, experienced and confident with the more complex method.

“It’s a difficult procedure to learn. Make sure your orthopedic surgeon is trained and comfortable with an anterior approach, and that he or she performs the surgery frequently enough to stay comfortable with it,” Dr. Cooper said.

For example, Dr. Cooper dedicated years to specialized training and additional education focused on the anterior hip replacement approach so that he can offer superior surgical care to patients. As the specialized joint replacement orthopedic surgeon at his clinic, he performs multiple anterior approach hip replacements every week.

“I received training in the approach from the first year of residency through my fellowship, so I’ve become very comfortable with it and am extremely pleased with my patients’ results,” Dr. Cooper said.

Results confirm that patients who undergo total hip replacement surgery with an anterior approach walk away with renewed quality of life and less pain.

“It’s so gratifying to me and the patient to see such immediate results. I treat people who have suffered chronic pain in the hip for so long that it becomes debilitating. They come to me unable to participate in activities that bring them joy in life. Then the same day we do surgery, those patients tell me how much better they feel and that their troublesome arthritic pain is gone,” Dr. Cooper said.

Arthritic damage is the most common reason people need a total hip replacement. Although arthritic pain typically worsens over time, physicians can provide patients with a variety of helpful treatment options to alleviate pain before considering surgery.

“That’s why I prefer it when a patient comes to see me as soon as they begin having hip pain,” Dr. Cooper said. “We can start with non-surgical conservative care like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and weight loss. There’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It’s best to tailor our approach to an individual’s situation and needs.”

If you’re ready for relief from hip pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cooper at East Falls Orthopaedics, by calling 208-535-4580.

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Improved outcomes for joint replacement patients as short-stay program rolled out

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Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Damian Smith is now offering an Enhanced Recovery Joint Replacement program in Canberra. Photo: InMotion Orthopaedics.

Healthy patients can expect to go home just one or two days after knee or hip replacement surgery following the introduction of an Enhanced Recovery Joint Replacement (ERJR) program in Canberra.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Damian Smith and his team from InMotion Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy are working with hospitals to offer patients the short-stay option.

Dr Smith says patients are keen to get home to their families and their own beds following surgery, and the new program provides them with that opportunity.

Two Canberra patients have already been through the pilot program, coming out the other side with a new lease of life.

Dr Smith says with good preoperative preparation and postoperative support, healthy patients can be discharged from hospital the day after surgery and begin their road to recovery.

“Patient preparation, communication and a great medical and family support network is crucial to the success and optimisation of care,” he says.

“We hold sessions with patients before surgery, which includes preoperative conditioning and strengthening exercises, education and familiarisation with mobility aids.

“The day after the operation, the patient is assessed and, if they are ready and want to go home, they will be fully prepared mentally and physically, and will know what they need to do, such as exercises and using crutches.”

Dr Smith says communication with all parties is essential, and his team has been working closely with hospitals to develop the program, which is being rolled out in Canberra this month.

“Underpinning the success of these programs is the involvement and communication of a multidisciplinary team, including the surgeon, the anaesthetist, allied health, hospital admissions and nurses,” he says.

With waiting lists growing and more people seeking joint replacements, the short-stay program will benefit patients, as well as reducing health costs to the broader community.

READ ALSO: Sport set the wheels in motion for Canberra orthopaedic surgeon

According to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, there were more than 51,000 total hip replacements and more than 66,000 total knee replacements carried out in 2019, and Dr Smith says, with an ageing population, demand for these procedures is expected to increase.

He says advances in surgical techniques, anaesthetics and optimisation of pain management has enabled the development of ERJR programs which “aim to improve patient recovery and minimise complications from prolonged hospital stay”.

“Several studies have shown no significant difference in complication or readmission rates with short-stay replacement surgery,” says Dr Smith.

“One study showed a 50 per cent reduction in minor complications and no difference in major complications to traditional longer hospital stay joint replacement programs.”

However, not all hip and joint replacement patients will be eligible for the short-stay option.

They must not have any significant co-morbidities or physical or mental health conditions that would prevent early mobilisation; they must have a body mass index (BMI) below 40; and must have a suitable home environment, which includes being close to a hospital, and having a relative or friend available to assist with care.

Dr Smith says patients opting for ERJR will not be “shunted out the door” after surgery. They can leave hospital when they feel confident.

The program doesn’t change the cost for private hospital patients, and Dr Smith believes it could reduce public health costs as well as waiting lists if it is rolled out to public hospitals in the future.

To find out more about the Enhanced Recovery Joint Replacement program, contact the team at InMotion Orthopaedics.

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AAOS releases new trends and outcomes reports from the American Joint Replacement Registry and the Shoulder & Elbow Registry

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Registry Program is pleased to announce the availability of two new clinical data reports – the American Joint Replacement Registry Program (AJRR) 2020 Annual Report Supplement and the Shoulder & Elbow Registry (SER) 2020 Annual Report. The reports, which were released during the AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting in San Diego, offer actionable information to guide physicians and patient decision making to improve care.

“There’s great momentum across the AAOS family of registries,” said William J. Maloney, MD, FAAOS, chair of the AAOS Registry Oversight Committee. “The number of anatomical areas and procedures covered continues to grow and the data being submitted by participating sites is paving the way for improved orthopaedic outcomes in the United States. We are pleased to publish these clinical insights from the AJRR and the SER and look forward to seeing continued growth and increasingly impactful analyses in the years ahead.”

AJRR 2020 Annual Report Supplement
Data presented in the 2020 AJRR Annual Report Supplement were submitted to the AJRR by 1,110 institutions through June 2020, covering procedures from 2012 to 2019. For the second consecutive year, the supplement includes reporting of device-specific cumulative percent revision estimates, drawn from the registry’s unique linkage with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) claims data. In addition, analyses in the 2020 supplement were expanded to include many more devices than the 2019. This year’s analysis also examines cumulative, all-cause revision at target timepoints with further stratification of devices based on fixation and bearing descriptions.

This report found all hip device constructs included in analysis had a cumulative percent revision of less than 2.7% at one year and less than 4.6% at final follow-up for each respective device. Knee device constructs included in analysis were found to have less than 2.5% cumulative percent revision at three years and less than 3.7% at final follow-up for each respective device

To read and download the 2020 AJRR Annual Report Supplement, visit the AAOS’ website.

Shoulder & Elbow Registry Second Annual Report
The SER includes representatives from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). The SER collects shoulder and elbow procedural data in the United States to establish survivor curves, track revisions, and support orthopaedic care and best practices. The program’s latest annual report represents submitted shoulder and elbow procedures dating from 2015 through 2020.

“The AAOS Shoulder and Elbow Registry is one of the most important endeavors being undertaken in shoulder and elbow surgery,” said SER Steering Committee member Stephen F. Brockmeier, MD, FAAOS. “This data will drive future clinical care, answer critical questions and contribute to research in the field, and dramatically enhance our ability to provide optimal outcomes for our patients. As can be seen in the 2020 SER Annual Report, the Registry data continues to accumulate at a rapid pace, and new procedures are added for study each year.”

To date, there are more than 112 SER participating facilities including hospitals, private practices, and ambulatory surgical centers spanning 35 states across the United States. To read and download the complete 2020 SER Annual Report, visit the AAOS’ website.

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AAOS Registry Program
The AAOS Registry Program’s mission is to improve orthopaedic care through the collection, analysis, and reporting of actionable data. The American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), the Academy’s hip and knee replacement registry, is the cornerstone of the AAOS’s Registry Program, and the world’s largest national registry of hip and knee joint replacement data by annual procedural count, with more than 2.4 million procedures contained within its database. Additional registries include the Fracture & Trauma Registry, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Registry (MsTR), the Shoulder & Elbow Registry (SER), and the American Spine Registry (ASR), a collaborative effort between the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the AAOS.

About the AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues, and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

https://www.aaos.org/

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From Hip surgery to skiing and competitive Triathlon

Clare Roche started participating in Triathlons five years ago, but feared she may have to stop training when sudden pain on a regular run heralded the start of a hip problem.

Clare, who is in her 60s and lives near Wadhurst, has enjoyed a variety of sports from childhood. More recently she started to compete in Triathlons and has represented Great Britain in international competitions in her age group. One day whilst on a usual run, she developed severe pain and was unable to weight bear on her right leg. After hobbling home, things deteriorated quickly. She was unable to walk comfortably for any length of time and the night pain that radiated down the leg into the shin and ankle made sleeping difficult. Having to cancel her plans for a walking trip to the Himalayas, Clare made an appointment with her GP.

As a physiotherapist with over 40 years of experience in the Wadhurst area, she already knew that the problem was related to her hip. X-rays showed she had no articular cartilage left in the joint, and as a physiotherapist, she knew the only option was a hip replacement. Apart from her competitive sports she has a very busy family life with three children and an increasing number of grandchildren. Clare wanted to get back to training as soon as possible. She was keen to proceed quickly to prevent her muscle strength from deteriorating too dramatically. and decided to go privately.

She had witnessed great results in patients and friends following hip surgery performed by Mr Senthil Velayudham, Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon at Nuffield Health, Tunbridge Wells.

Following consultation with Mr Velayudham, he suggested a minimally invasive total hip replacement with ceramic on ceramic bearing surfaces was the way forward and her surgery was scheduled. A ‘total replacement’ means both parts of the joint are replaced – the ball and the socket.

The operation went well with no complications. For the first ten days Clare used crutches, after which she walked with a stick. At two to three weeks post-surgery she swam regularly and used an exercise bike. Within three-four weeks she walked unaided and could do about an hour of continuous walking. She was religious with her exercises, at home and in the gym, which helped her regain muscle strength; she is still doing them almost 18 months later. At around fourteen weeks after the operation, she began running and walking began, including short intervals of alternate slow jogging combined with brisk walking. Over the following weeks and months these exercises increased in duration and intensity. Four months after the operation, Clare went skiing with no problems. Seven months after her operation she was competing in a triathlon competition and nine months after came second in her first half ironman triathlon.

Prior to her operation Clare had gained a place to compete at the Triathlon World Championships in Lausanne at the beginning of September. She was worried she wouldn’t be fit enough to compete but at the end of August was on the starting line, less than a year following surgery.

In between competitions Clare enjoys her grandchildren, hiking, bird watching and conservation all of which are only possible with the pain free mobility that her new joint brings.

Mr Velayudham said: “Minimally invasive total hip replacement is a highly successful procedure helping patients return to good active lifestyle. Understanding patients’ expectation is very important. Using appropriate prostheses, restoring hip anatomy, preserving all the muscles controlling the hip and good rehabilitation helps patients to enjoy long good outcome following hip replacement.”

Claire added: “Having a surgeon who is not only technically excellent but someone who is empathetic to your situation and provides first-rate pre and post op oversight is crucial; Mr Velayudham more than fulfilled these criteria – as I knew he would having seen several of his patients over the years. Also impressive was the care I received at the Nuffield at all levels, from porters to senior medical staff. One hears horrible stories of waiting ages for a nurse when you really need them. That was not my experience; everyone was attentive and professional yet caring. The food was something special too.

“My advice to anyone who wants to get the most out of their joint replacement is firstly don’t leave it too long before having the operation, secondly try to choose a great surgeon like Mr V, and finally be serious and committed about exercises and general fitness both before your operation and for at least 12 month afterwards. We can all do more than we think we can!”

Originally Appeared Here

Biologics Reduce Total Joint Replacements in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

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VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 10, 2021 /CNW/ – New research has revealed a significant reduction in the need for total hip and knee replacement surgery among rheumatoid arthritis patients after the introduction of biologics.

“These findings reflect a marked improvement in overall rheumatoid arthritis treatment since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s,” said Hui Xie, a scientist at Arthritis Research Canada.

Researchers identified 60,227 rheumatoid arthritis and 288,260 osteoarthritis cases. For individuals diagnosed before the introduction of biologics, the 8-year incidence rates of total joint replacement surgery increased over time for both types of arthritis. For people diagnosed after biologics became available, these rates decreased over time in rheumatoid arthritis but continued to increase for osteoarthritis.

“We found a 26.9 per cent and 12.6 per cent reduction in total hip and knee replacements for patients with rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed five years after the introduction of biologics, in stark contrast with 11.7 per cent and 16.6 per cent increases for those procedures in osteoarthritis over the same time period,” said Vivienne Zhou, the first author of the paper and an MSc student trainee at Arthritis Research Canada.

Osteoarthritis is another condition for which total joint replacements are often required, and for which biologics are not used. This made osteoarthritis an ideal comparator group that had not been used in previous studies.

Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, affects approximately 1.2 per cent of Canadians aged 16 years and older. Uncontrolled inflammation causes irreversible joint damage which sometimes requires total joint replacement surgery.

Total joint replacements are effective at reducing pain and improving function, but they are expensive and complications can occur. Sometimes revision surgeries are also needed.

From 2019 to 2020, 63,496 hip replacements and 75,073 knee replacements were performed in Canada, costing more than $1.4 billion, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNF-α), are very effective at suppressing inflammation and can halt the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent joint damage.

Prior to this study, there was conflicting evidence as to whether or not biologics reduced the need for total joint replacement surgery in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study uses large population-based cohorts of incident rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients to document and compare the patterns of total joint replacement surgery over a 20-year period.

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Heather Caulder, Marketing and Communications Officer, 604-207-4010 or [email protected], www.arthritisresearch.ca

http://www.arthritisresearch.ca/

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How to Recover After Hip Replacement Surgery

If you will soon need to recover after hip replacement surgery, or any major surgery involving your hip, you should carefully research what will happen, and how to cope, both before and after the operation. How should you prepare for hip surgery? What is recuperation from hip surgery look like? Will you need help after a hip operation? How soon can you return to work or resume normal daily activities?

Your orthopedic surgeon and medical team are the best authorities for specific answers related to your particular health, hip condition, work situation et cetera. The questions below, however, address some common questions and shares tips about hip replacement recovery and rehabilitation.

How can I prepare for hip replacement surgery?

A few health habits can be implemented in advance to ensure a quick and smooth recovery from hip surgery. You can help ensure a smooth and quick recovery if you are considering a hip replacement.

It is a smart idea to build your strength. Stronger upper bodies will make it easier to use crutches and a walker.

After surgery, your mobility and ability for daily activities will be severely reduced. Discuss the need for support after surgery with your loved ones, friends, and caregivers. Make practical changes to your home to ensure that you have easy access to the things that you require.

Safety is also important. Move furniture or remove rugs that make it difficult for you to use crutches/walkers.

What is the best time to return home after a hip-replacement?

Typically, hip surgery patients can walk and go home within a few days. Most people do not need to be bed-bound. Moving your joint can prevent it from becoming stiff.

You might have to stay the night in hospital if you have a preexisting condition, such as a heart condition or lung condition that requires monitoring. Inpatient rehabilitation units are a good option for people who have had complicated surgeries and need support at home.

Do I have to learn how to walk again – what equipment may I need?

Your medical team – including your orthopedic surgeon, physical or occupational therapists, and primary care doctor – will assess whether you need any assistive devices. If you have fallen or that seems likely, you may need a cane, or a walker. However generally not necessary to keep weight off the hip that went through surgery.

How soon will my hip incision heal?

Modern hip replacement surgery incisions are small and closed with absorbable stitches. It takes approximately six weeks for the incision to heal. It is okay to shower during this period, but it is best to wait until the wound heals completely to bathe or swim.

What is the time frame for rehabilitation after hip surgery?

Before the hip replacement surgery, patients will receive physical therapy. Then they will work with a physical trainer right after the surgery to learn and practice muscle strengthening exercises. The rehabilitation process will continue for a few more days following the surgery. Patients will see occupational and physical therapists up to three times per week, and are given exercises to do at home as well.

The first step in rehabilitation is to get used to your daily movements. Next, you will need to practice more difficult tasks like climbing stairs or getting in and out of your car.

These and other tasks are possible only if you have strong muscles. Rehabilitation includes resistance training for the hip muscles and the knee muscles in your legs.

How to Recover After Hip Replacement Surgery — Elderly womans feet walking at home with aid of walker. Difficulty of life in old age

What is the “normal” level of pain following hip replacement surgery?

After hip replacement, there will be some swelling and pain in the joints. This will help to reduce the pain.

Between therapy sessions, take some time to relax. Ice the leg and the site of your incision.
Consider taking anti-inflammatory medications, with your doctor’s okay, to help with these symptoms.
When you lie down, keep your leg higher than your heart.
Pay attention to your pain levels.
If your pain levels are at 6 or above (on a 1-10 pain scale), be sure to mention this to your surgeon or primary care doctor. Your pain should gradually decrease as you continue physical therapy.

How long does it take for your hip to heal after a hip replacement surgery?

The average time for hip replacement recovery is between two and four weeks. However, everyone is different. It all depends on several factors such as how active you were prior to surgery, your age and nutrition.

Being active and in good shape before surgery can make it easier to recover faster and return to your usual activities. Prehabilitation (or prehab) is a term used by physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons to help patients become physically fit before they undergo surgery.

What is the best time to resume my regular activities following a hip replacement surgery?

Physical therapy’s goal is to help you get back to your daily life. The amount of physical activity required to complete a task will determine the time it takes to accomplish that task.

Driving: It may take up to one month for you to be able again to drive safely after having surgery on your right hip. You might be able to drive again in a matter of weeks if it was your left hip. You can start in a parking lot, then move slowly to rural roads and eventually to the highway. You might not be able to drive again if you are taking medications that can impair coordination.

Work: You can return to work in two weeks if you have a desk job that requires little activity. It is recommended that you take off six weeks for any job that requires heavy lifting, or is otherwise difficult on your hips.

Sports: You can return to sports that require little activity like golf when you feel at ease. You should wait six weeks for contact sports that have high-impact. You should wait six weeks for the incision to heal completely before you can get into a pool.

Sex: You can go back to sexual activity at any time you feel like it, as long as you can do so comfortably.

What factors slow recovery from hip surgery?

There are always complications with any surgery, even major ones like a hip replacement. These complications can include infection at the incision, bone fractures, and hip dislocations.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty moving your hips, or if your medication isn’t working.

Rehab should be done at a steady pace. Avoiding sudden movements and sharp movements may help to prevent falls and dislocations that can delay recovery.

How long can my hip replacement implant last before it needs to be replaced?

Modern hip prosthetics, unlike older metal implants, are made from a mixture of metal, plastic, and ceramic parts. They are stronger and more resistant than older ones. These implants are durable and can last for up to 30 years. There is little chance of them failing or needing to be re-done.

What is the best time to wait before I replace my other hip?

There are some cases where it is beneficial to replace both hips simultaneously (a double-hip replacement). A double hip replacement may be safer for those with severe arthritis in both of their hips.

A double hip replacement decreases the chance of complications associated with anesthesia. The recovery process is quicker but can take twice as long because both legs must be strengthened simultaneously. You might also find it more difficult to move around the house at first, so you may need more help at home.

To reduce the risk of blood clots, it is better to wait at most six weeks before having two hip replacements.

The hip replacement procedure is one of most successful in medicine. The effectiveness of total hip replacement surgery has increased dramatically since the 1960s thanks to improvements in joint replacement technology and surgical techniques. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that more than 450,000 total hip repairs are performed annually in the United States.

How to Prepare Your Home Before Hip or Knee Surgery

If you’re worrying about how to prepare your home before hip or knee surgery, this article should help you enormously.

First important tip: set up your home BEFORE you go to the hospital. This will make it easier for you to recover and to live in comfort when you return. This should be done well in advance.

Ask your doctor or physical therapist to get your home ready.

Advance Home Preparation Makes It Easier

Make sure that everything is easily accessible and on the main floor (or wherever you spend most of your time.) Limit the amount of stairs you use per day to one.

A bed should be low enough that your feet touch the ground when you are seated on the edge.
If possible, place your bed on the main/first floor. Although you don’t necessarily need a hospital bed for your comfort, your mattress should be firm.
You should have a toilet or portable commode located on the same floor as where you spend most of your time.
You can stock up on canned and frozen food, toilet paper and shampoo.
Buy or make single meals that can be frozen then reheated.
You should be able to reach all the things you need without bending or getting on your knees.
Place food and other supplies in a cabinet that is at your waistline and shoulders.
Place glasses, teapots, and any other items that you use often on the kitchen countertop.
You must be able to reach your phone. You can use a portable phone to get around.
In the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and any other areas you use, place a sturdy chair. You will be able to sit comfortably while you complete your daily tasks.
Attach a bag or small basket if you plan to use a walker. You can keep your phone, notepad, pen and other essential items in the bag. A fanny pack can also be used.

It is possible that you will need assistance with bathing, toilet use, cooking, shopping, going to doctor visits, exercising, and even running errands. Ask your provider to send a caregiver to your home if you don’t have anyone to help you for the first few weeks following surgery. This caregiver can help with daily activities and check on the safety of your home.

You might also be interested in these other items:

Shower sponge with a long handle
A long-handled shoehorn
A cane, crutches, or a walker
You will need a reacher to pick up items from the ground. Put on your pants and take off your socks.
Help you put on your socks with a sock aid
To help you stay steady, use the handles bars in your bathroom.

(Amazon has a Hip – Knee Replacement Kit that may be of interest.)

Bathroom Setup for Easier Use After Knee or Hip Surgery

You can reduce your knee flexion by raising the height of the toilet seat. This can be done by installing a seat cover, an elevated toilet seat, or a safety frame for the toilet. A commode chair can be used in place of a toilet.

Safety bars may be required in your bathroom. Grab bars should be attached vertically or horizontally to a wall, and not diagonally.

Towel racks should not be used as grab bars. They will not support your weight.
Two grab bars are required. The first helps you to get in and out the tub. The other assists you in standing from a sitting position.

There are many ways to make sure you’re safe when you take a shower or bath.

To prevent falls, place non-slip silicone decals or rubber suction mats in the tub.
For firm footing, use a non-skid bathmat outside the tub.
Dry the floors outside of the bathtub or shower.
You can place soap and shampoo anywhere you don’t need to stand, reach, or twist.

Take a shower in a chair or a bathtub.

Rubber tips are recommended for the bottom.
If the seat is to be placed in a tub, you can buy a chair without arms.

Avoiding Falls and Tripping In Your Home After Surgery

Avoid tripping hazards in your home.

To move from one room to the next, remove any wires and cords.
Take out any throw rugs that are not in use.
Doorways with uneven flooring should be repaired. Use good lighting.
Install night lights in darkened rooms and hallways.

You may trip if your pet is small or moves around a lot. Consider letting your pet live with a friend or in a kennel for the first few weeks of your stay.

When you’re walking, don’t carry any items. Your hands may be required to balance. To carry your phone and other items, a small backpack is a good option.

You can practice using a walker, crutches or a wheelchair. It is important to learn how to:

You can get in and out of a seat easily
After using the toilet, sit down and then stand up.
Shower in the morning and get out at night
The shower chair can be used
Stairs can be used to ascend and descend

Is it possible to prevent hip surgery or replacement altogether?

Exercising after Joint Replacement Surgery

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Hip and knee replacements can get you back to an active life in a jiffy. Keep this in mind: You are an important factor in determining the end result of surgery. A new hip or knee joint does not work on its own.

To get the most out of your new parts you need to commit to an exercise program. This work begins immediately after surgery with a personalized rehabilitation plan created by a physiotherapist.

But a critical part of the recovery process begins after finishing the last physiotherapy appointment. “You’re already involved in an exercise program,” says physiotherapist Michele Hribar, PT. “Now you have to continue the rest of your life.”

The Importance of Exercising After Joint Replacement Surgery

It is essential to build muscles around the new hip or knee to keep the joint in tip shape. Hribar recommends continuing the specific exercise routine that you have already established with your physiotherapist.

“You really have to optimize the exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles,” Hribar says.

Fitness in general is also important, especially because knee or hip pain before surgery may have prevented you from doing enough activity. This may have caused weakness or limitations in areas other than the affected joint.

“Now that the joint is in better shape, you have a chance to improve and maintain overall fitness,” Hribar says.

You also need to exercise for balance, which can be affected after surgery.

The best exercises after joint replacement

Your workout routine should be a combination of aerobic activity and strength, flexibility and balance exercises. With a walking or cycling program it is not enough for any of the muscles needed for mobility and balance.

Some good news too: when this new hip or knee is put into operation, the activities may seem easier to do. “After surgery, these exercises should be better tolerated because of the relief of joint pain,” Hribar says.

Below are recommendations for sweating in two categories:

Aerobic activities

Aerobic activities make the heart beat faster. To get the ticker to pump, try walking, cycling, or using an elliptical machine. By variety, alternate the different activities. Consider using trekking poles to walk outdoors if you have difficulty maintaining balance and stability.

Once you have fully recovered from joint replacement, you should be able to do virtually any activity you have done before surgery. However, most surgeons do not recommend running.

Before giving up any activity you enjoy, Hribar suggests that you talk to your doctor or physiotherapist. You may be able to return to some higher impact activities or find ways to modify them.

“We’re able to get people back to playing pickle or doubles tennis, even though individual tennis is harder,” Hribar says.

Aim to try to achieve at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week.

Exercises of strength, flexibility and balance

Muscle mass and bone density naturally decrease with age. To slow down this process, it is important to have a complete exercise routine.

Strengthening exercises after a hip or knee replacement should include exercises aimed at the quadriceps (four muscles in the front of the thigh), gluteals (three muscles that form the buttocks), and hip abductors (responsible muscles). to move the thigh to the side)).

Try to do focused strength and balance exercises two or three times a week. To build and maintain flexibility, exercises such as hamstring stretches and heel cord stretches should be part of your daily routine.

Find joy in exercise

Hribar points out that there are activities that combine aerobics, balance, strengthening and flexibility. Examples are dance, yoga, tai chi and pool exercises, which can also be social, with face-to-face classes opening once again after the pandemic and online options also available.

“You can make it fun,” Hribar says.

Click here for more info on how to recover after joint replacement surgery.

Less Pain After Orthopedic Surgery with Nerve Stimulation

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April 15 (UPI) – Nerve stimulation treatments are effective in reducing pain in patients recovering from orthopedic surgery and limiting the need for potentially addictive opioid drugs, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Anesthesiology.

The data show that a treatment called percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation reduced patients ’postoperative pain scores after routine procedures.

The treatment provides small amounts of electricity to the surgically affected nerves and interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain, the researchers said.

In addition, the use of opioid-based pain medications in patients decreased by 80% during the first week after treatments, according to the researchers, who described the findings as “impressive.”

The benefits of postoperative nerve stimulation were “much greater than we had anticipated,” researchers at the University of California-San Diego wrote.

The results “stand alone and indicate that percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation is highly effective for acute pain,” they said.

The reduction in the need for opioid-based pain medications after surgical procedures has become a point of emphasis in recent years because of the risk that patients may become addicted to drugs.

Prescription opiate-based pain medications have helped fuel an “epidemic” of abuse and misuse of these drugs, which have intoxicating effects similar to illegal drugs such as “heroin,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

For this study, researchers enrolled 65 adults who underwent joint outpatient surgery, such as removing the bunion from the foot and repairing the fist of the shoulder rotator.

All study participants had electrical wires located near the nerve or nerves that serve the surgical joints, and half of them received active electrical stimulation adjusted to achieve the desired sensory change that is sometimes described as a ” nice massage, ”the researchers said.

The rest of the participants received inactive treatment, with a pulse generator that appeared to work normally but did not provide electricity, according to the researchers.

After one week, participants who received active percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation showed significantly lower pain scores, with mean scores on a scale of zero to 10 of approximately 1, compared with just over 3 in the simulated treatment group, showed the data.

Participants in the active treatment group used, on average, approximately 5 milligrams of opioid analgesics during the first week after surgery, or about one-tenth of the amount used by those in the simulated treatment group. say the researchers.

“Percutaneous stimulation of the peripheral nerve is likely to demonstrate optimal treatment after painful surgical procedures,” they wrote.

Figuring Out If – and When – You Need a Knee or Hip Replacement

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If you have experienced joint pain due to arthritis, you may be wondering if you need a knee or hip replacement. When considering a joint replacement surgery, there are some ways to determine if you are ready to talk to your orthopedic provider.

Chad E. Smith, MD, orthopedic surgeon at the Norton Orthopedic Institute, suggests thinking about the following three factors:

Pain

Does hip or knee pain come and go? Does it occur only during intense activity? Or is it constant and interferes with everyday life?

If the pain comes and goes, you may not be ready for surgery. The good news: There are some non-surgical ways to get relief. These may include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid injections, or physical therapy.

Age and activity

Then think about your age and activity level. If you are active and would like to stay active for many years, a hip or knee replacement may be possible. Surgeons perform joint replacements on younger patients than in the past, however, surgery will not normally be considered until age 50. In addition, unless X-rays show moderate to advanced arthritis in the knee or hip, non-surgical treatment will be recommended.

Weight and health in general

Finally, how is the rest of your health, including your weight? Carrying extra weight is an important factor in knee or hip pain. Surgeons typically do not perform knee replacements in patients with a body mass index greater than 40, as they increase complications during and after surgery.

However, there are physiotherapy programs designed to help you lose weight, while also supporting and aiming to improve painful joint. Your healthcare provider can help you find a physical therapy or weight loss program that fits your needs.

Do you have heart disease or diabetes? Is your diabetes controlled with an adequate level of hemoglobin A1C? Chronic medical conditions need to be optimized before surgery.

You will also want to make sure you are mentally prepared for a couple of difficult weeks after surgery.

Can pain be overcome during physiotherapy while working to strengthen and move the new joint.