Physiotherapeutic intervention | Hip-TEP exercises

Physiotherapeutic intervention

If the hip has been replaced by an artificial joint (hip TEP), the surrounding muscles have to be strengthened and stretched and depth sensitivity and coordination have to be relearned. Appropriate loading and unloading stimuli are needed to allow the body to get used to the foreign material. Avoid adduction (lateral approach) of the leg over the middle of the body, flexion of the hip joint over 90°, and rotational movements.

Especially physiotherapy in water is suitable for rehabilitation due to the decrease of gravity. Physiotherapy in water is started as soon as the scar has healed. In the following, some exercises for this are presented.

Prognosis

Nowadays, the insertion of a hip TEP is a routine procedure with usually good results. The material can normally remain in the body for years. The tormenting pain is reduced or even disappears and the mobility and walking distance increase significantly again.

Prophylaxis

Any excess weight should also be reduced after the insertion of a hip TEP, as it always places increased stress on the body and especially the joints, as well as lifting and carrying heavy loads. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise are important for healing. Exercises should be performed regularly to avoid the loss of muscle mass or muscular shortening. Sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming, walking or cycling are recommended. Adhering to the movement guidelines (no rotation, excessive adduction and flexion) and training the surrounding muscles protects the joint from dislocation (luxation).

Summary

An endoprosthesis is the artificial replacement of a body part, usually bones and joints. The total endoprosthesis (TEP) refers to the complete replacement of a joint. Articular head and socket, i.e. both articulating bone ends that form the hip joint, are replaced by implants.

These are either cemented or inserted without cement. A joint always consists of the interplay of two bone ends and thus enables the body to move. The reason for the insertion of a hip TEP is arthrosis.

A clinical picture in which the joint cartilage is worn out and every movement and load causes severe pain. Consequential damage can be hardened muscles, movement restrictions and the acquisition of evasive movements. In order to keep these consequential damages as low as possible, an operation should not be waited too long if it is foreseeable as a last resort.

Nowadays, the insertion of a hip TEP is a routine procedure and restores a large part of the patient’s quality of life by relieving pain and extending movement. Supported by physiotherapeutic exercises, positive results and progressions are achieved.