Hip & Knee Replacements

At some point in life you or your loved one may be faced with a dysfunction of your musculoskeletal system that may require you to go under the knife related to your hip or knee.  Surgery may be performed to relieve pain, provide increased stability, and improve how well your joint functions.  Hip and knee replacements are becoming more and more common, with younger people electing to have the surgeries to improve their overall quality of life and remain productive in society. 

Fracture of the hip most commonly occurs in thin, white, elderly female.  A hip fracture can easily contribute to death in the elderly due to predisposing them to infections and respiratory complications due to increased immobility and the possibility of surgery.  The most definitive signs and symptoms associated with a fractured hip are notable disalignment and shortening of the affected leg.  Also, individuals will complain of great hip and/or groin discomfort, or state they are unable to move their leg if a fracture has occurred.  A hip fracture will be diagnosed by an x-ray so physicians can visualize the area of compromise and plan interventions.

Treatment for a hip fracture will have similarities from one person to the next; however care will be provided according to the specific needs of each individual in order for the best outcomes to occur.  The treatment option for a hip fracture is to repair it by using internal fixation devices or placing prosthetic joints.  Preoperative care of a hip fracture may include the use of Buck’s traction to best immobilize the hip to prevent further injury and reduce pain.  Medications may also be prescribed to relieve pain, relax muscles, and prevent complications. 

If hip surgery is recommended to you it is advised that you strictly follow all instructions both before and after surgery to have the best outcomes.  Another important factor is that after hip surgery it is recommended that individuals begin to ambulate on the day of or the day immediately following their procedure to work towards the full potential of the joint, reduce scar tissue build-up, have a quicker recovery time with less pain, and to overall reduce complications that may otherwise occur if you are immobile for an extended time period. 

Let’s move down to the next joint…your knee.  Total knee replacements are performed for individuals who have severe joint pain and/or instability, which results in interruptions in their daily routines or ends up causing complete immobility.  In addition, total knee replacements may also be considered if there is severe arthritic damage or deformities within the knee joint that can be visualized on an x-ray.  The goal of this surgical procedure is to restore full flexion and extension of the knee joint, and to provide individuals with adequate strength and stability to engage in their normal activities and be productive.

Once surgery is over and you have your new knee joint, post-operative efforts will be directed toward preventing any complications and restoring your mobility.  You will require physical therapy exercises and use of a device called a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine (if you have a knee replacement) to get your joint back to normal.  Total Home Health professionals will assist you in the comforts of your own home and reinforce the strict rules that you should follow after your knee replacement.  Your participation will be greatly encouraged to engage in physical therapy exercises and ambulation as you can tolerate…more and more each day to get you back up and moving.     

Total Home Health has great home care programs that will be sure to fit into your lifestyle once you return home from undergoing a hip or knee replacement.  The therapy and medication regimens may seem overwhelming at first, but with your cooperation you’ll be on your way to a smooth transition with your new joint.  All care provided to you will be tailored to your specific needs and how you progress with each visit.  With Total Home Health, your needs will always come first and we like to provide care to you with your wishes at the forefront of our practices.  Our professionals will work closely with all members of your healthcare team to ensure that everyone is on the same page and your recovery happens as quickly as possible so that you may resume your normal life.  Enrolling with us today would be a great choice because once you come home from your surgery…you’ll know you’re in the best hands possible.