Replacement of the hip joint

Features of Rehabilitation and Complications After Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a serious intervention in the functioning of the body. For this reason, doctors pay special attention to the recovery period. It is characterized by its duration and the mandatory completion of a course of therapeutic physical education – for example, rehabilitation after knee joint replacement can take 6-12 months. It is important not only to find a competent specialist to perform the direct replacement of the problematic joint in the body, but also to follow all recommendations after the surgical intervention.

Features of the Rehabilitation Period After Joint Replacement Surgery

During the recovery period, doctors aim to:

• Support the body weakened by the long, painful process of joint problems, the surgery performed, and the extended period of bed rest. Special medications are used to solve this problem, which will strengthen the immune system and stabilize all metabolic processes. Pain relief medications are often prescribed – if the joint hurts after replacement, it can lead to sleep disturbances, irritability of the patient, and inability to move fully.
• Improve muscle tone and the mobility of the operated joint. This is achieved through therapeutic physical education; exercises after joint replacement in the legs or other joints of the body help shorten the rehabilitation period and return to a normal way of life.
• Provide psychological support to the patient who has undergone joint replacement surgery. This is extremely necessary for everyone because the fear of possible joint fractures or prosthesis damage can hinder the normal course of the recovery period. In some cases, it goes so far that the patient simply panics at the thought of standing up or moving the joint.

Even if the patient feels great after the surgery and becomes active on their own, a specialist should monitor the recovery of the body. Even with seemingly excellent well-being, complications after joint replacement are not uncommon.

Possible Complications After Joint Replacement Surgery

Even with a properly performed surgical intervention for joint replacement, the following complications may arise during the recovery period:

• Infection of the surgical site;
• Disruption of the vascular system;
• Decreased immunity.

The listed problems are considered late complications and may be diagnosed accidentally during a preventive check-up with a physician. Patients often experience pain after hip joint replacement, which may indicate a progressing inflammatory or infectious process. If the pain syndrome occurs during physical exercises or immediately after them, patients tend to endure the discomfort and take painkillers – this is a significant mistake. No load should cause pain or discomfort, so it’s better to report any unpleasant feelings to your doctor.

According to statistics, complications most often arise during significant surgical manipulations – for example, if total hip joint replacement was performed.

Main Rules of Rehabilitation

The set of exercises for the fastest recovery of the operated joint's functionality can be performed at home. But it is essential to remember:

• You must first complete a training course in therapeutic physical education with a specialist;
• You will need a helper to perform exercises on your own;
• You cannot overload the joints right away;
• If there is a slight deterioration in well-being, you must stop any exercises and consult a doctor.

The optimal option is to undergo a rehabilitation course at a clinic – the cost of joint replacement surgery usually includes rehabilitation as well. Moreover, the development of the operated joint will take place under the supervision of specialists, who will be able to provide necessary assistance and serve as additional motivation for rapid recovery. Another advantage of undergoing the rehabilitation period after replacement surgery in a clinic is the ability to utilize various therapies. This means doctors will be able to make timely medication prescriptions, and psychological support will also be provided.

More complete information about the cost of shoulder joint replacement surgery at the clinic, as well as how long rehabilitation lasts, can be found on the pages of our website Dobrobut.com.