Rehabilitation for a Metal-on-Metal Surface Replacement of the Hip

Metal-on metal hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving surgical procedure that helps reduce pain and improve function in a hip damaged by injury, abnormal alignment or repeated physical stress. Post-operative rehabilitation restores hip strength and mobility without aggravating healing tissues or damaging the surgical reconstruction.

Time Frame

• According to the University of Washington department of orthopaedics and sports medicine, during the first six weeks of rehabilitation, patients perform gentle exercises that improve hip range of motion and increase strength. Exercise intensity is increased gradually over time and in three to six months, patients are able to resume activities such as swimming, golf, light hiking and bicycling. The sports medicine department at the University of Wisconsin (UW) recommends waiting at least six months before resuming impact activities such as running and contact sports.

Precautions

• According to UW sports medicine, hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, turning the operative leg inward past a neutral position, crossing the legs and lifting more than 30 pounds is prohibited for the first six weeks following surgery. Crutches or other assistive-walking devices are recommended until gait is normalized and walking is pain-free.

Outcome

• Age, pre-injury health status, injury severity and rehabilitation compliance influence a patient's recovery rate following hip surgery. Patient motivation and persistent rehabilitation efforts maximize functional improvement and significantly improve surgical outcome.