Lower Limb Joint Replacement Tips
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Gemma B
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOLLOWING AN ARTHROSCOPY IN LONDON AND ESSEX
WHAT IS AN ARTHROSCOPY ?
A hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to both diagnose and treat problems in the hip joint. It is worth noting that scans are not always able to pick up problems within the joint. During the surgery, a tiny camera is inserted through small incision sites, allowing the team to view inside of the joint. If able, the surgical team then correct any issues with small instruments. Patients often go home the same day but may require an overnight stay.
WHAT INDICATIONS ARE THERE FOR AN ARTHROSCOPY?
Your medical team may recommend a hip arthroscopy if you have a hip condition such as pain, stiffness, locking or giving way, that is not responding to conservative management techniques. Nonsurgical measures might include injections, Physiotherapy, rest and medication. Injury to the hip joint may be caused from a trauma or gradual onset. Conditions include:
- Hip impingement, sometimes called femoroacetabular impingement
- Tendon ruptures or disorders involving the hamstring or gluteal muscles
- Snapping hip syndromes
- Loose bodies of bone or cartilage
- Hip joint infections
HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I BE ABLE TO APPLY TO MY LEG?
Following the surgery, your surgeon will advise you on how much weight you can put through the leg. It is essential this advice is followed, as it will affect your healing and recovery.
Full weight bearing - You can put as much weight through your foot as you normally would. It is important that you don't walk with a limp, so ensure you are taking medication and using an aid if you are advised to do so.
Partial weight bearing - You can put 50% of your weight through your foot, this will mean you will need a walking aid such as crutches or frame.
Toe touch weight bearing - You can put minimal weight through your foot, only for balance, you will need a walking aid if you are advised on this weight bearing status. Advice will be given on how to walk whilst avoiding putting strain on the muscles at the front of the hip.
A surgeon will you review you, often as an outpatient, after your surgery and advise you when you are able to place more weight through the leg.
HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP BEFORE THE OPERATION?
It is important that you prepare for your operation to ensure your recovery is as smooth and successful as possible.
It is important to optimise your health prior to the surgery. This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, weight modification, eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. It is essential that you are as strong as possible prior to the operation. Our Physiotherapists can help deliver a prehabiliation plan prior to your surgery.
HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP AFTER THE OPERATION?
Post-operatively, exercise is an essential part of your recovery plan. You may get a book of exercises during your hospital stay. These are to be performed daily. In some cases, you will also be referred to an NHS Physiotherapist for further help and support. Your Physiotherapy may involve a combination of land-based and hydrotherapy sessions. Your Physiotherapist may also recommend rental of certain devices, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, to help stimulate the quadriceps after the operation or ice machines.
Please find further tips on lower limb joint replacement here
WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
1. In the initial stages, it is important to take your pain relief as recommended and not wean off this too quickly.
2. Swelling management is also essential, this may include elevation, exercise and the use of a compression machine such as the game ready: https://www.gameready.co.uk
3. Regaining normal joint range will need to be done slowly and in a controlled manner. If you have had your joint tightened or there was ligament involvement, you may need to be careful moving into certain positions, your surgeon will guide you on this.
4. Retraining a normal walking pattern as early as possible, is essential as this is directly related to reduction of pain and increased activity levels. You can video record yourself to monitor changes. Your healthcare team will be able to analyse your walking pattern and give you feedback.
5. Strength retraining for the entire body is important but particularly crucial around the lower limb. Your team may recommend patients buy a continuous passive movement machine or a static bike to use, daily, at home.
6. Later on in your recovery, balance, coordination and proprioceptive drills will be added.
7. The final stage is sport specific drills. It is important that you do not return to sport too early. Often, following a hip arthroscopy your therapist may need to guide you to slow down and stop you from doing too much too soon.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE LONG-TERM?
The surgeon will be able to give statistics on anticipated prognosis following surgery. Following a structured, criteria based post-operative rehabilitation programme is important in achieving positive outcomes. Many people return to full, unrestricted activities, including sports, following a hip arthroscopy. The hip can continue to improve for 12 to 18 months after surgery. For some people, lifestyle recommendations may be suggested such as taking part in low impact (Cycling) rather than high impact (Running) sporting activities.
Booking an appointment
If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physios musculoskeletal service, please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
NHS - Arthroscopy
Patient.Info - Arthroscopy
Other conditions we treat:
We understand that our clients often have a range of medical conditions. Our therapists have a broad range of backgrounds. For example, someone with sciatica may also find they are having difficulty with falls. Please find more informations on falls here:
Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis
Neuro Rehab
Dementia
Medical Review
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Barry Ford BSc MCSP, Physiotherapist
