William's DePuy Lawsuit Blog
Sun
07
Aug
2011
Management For Patients After A Hip Replacement Procedure
After a hip replacement surgery is done, patients recovering from the invasive procedure needs to undergo physical therapy as early as possible in
order to start the recovery process and let the person get back to his or her normal daily routine. This is a precautionary method to avoid complications from the operation as well as
contractures. There are other reported complications from those who underwent a hip replacement operation. Some recipients of a hip replacement device reported that they experienced premature
failure of their hip implants which lead to loosening of the hip device, dislocation of the acetabular cups which usually causes fracture of the surrounding bones. There are cases wherein these
said complications can worsen which would usually lead to a revision surgery. Hip device failure was said to occur with ASR™ XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System which are
products manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., a subsidiary company of Johnson & Johnson and a DePuy hip replacement recall was consequently issued.
Things To Do And Not To Do After Surgery
As long as the patient can tolerate it, it is important that post-op patients perform certain activities such as sitting up on their bed. Moving
their extremities allows good blood circulation and prevents blood clot occlusion. It is also important to change their body positions frequently. This prevents the occurrence of painful bed
sores. The use of a pillow between the legs when the patient lies on the nonoperated side is encouraged. The hip device is prone to dislocation that is why the affected extremity must not cross
over the midline of the body thus the presence of the pillow between the legs is crucial.
Eventually, various activities are incorporated in the therapy. This includes stepping, walking and climbing. Patients use supportive devices like
cane, walker and crutches. Contractures and complications must be prevented that is why patients should avoid straining the surgical site which could occur when performing strenuous activities.
There are occupational therapist and physical therapist who help the patients in the recovery process through physical therapy. Patients and the progress of their recovery are also frequently
assessed by their doctors. Swelling, warmth, redness, and/or increased pain of the surgical site are some of the signs of infection that needs to be checked frequently. If any of these are
observed, immediately report this to your doctor.
Outpatient physical therapy are often indicated as well as some exercises one can perform at home when the patient has been discharged from the
hospital. The important thing is the patient can regain their former activities of daily living while being independent and knowledgeable about the right things one ought to do to get back on
their own feet. Nonetheless, there are still cases wherein recovery is hindered and complications occur. A DePuy hip replacement
recall was released for defective artificial hip prostheses which allegedly causes complications. There are other sites you can look into if you want to learn more about this.
Print Version
Pages to the People