Postoperative Rehabilitation after Hip Fracture: A Literature Review

Abstract

As the proportion of elderly individuals within the population grows, the incidence of hip fractures increases. Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons used to focus on surgical treatment of hip fractures; however, the field's appreciation for the importance of postoperative rehabilitation has been increasing recently. Many studies have shown that proper rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery can shorten hospital stays and improve clinical outcomes. However, such studies use different methods and published rehabilitation protocols address varying aspects that do not always overlap. Here, we review and summarize the latest guidelines and studies on postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with hip fractures.

Keywords: Hip fractures; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation.

Fig. 1. (A) Ankle pumps. Ankle plantar flexion (left) and ankle dorsiflexion (right). (B) Knee-extension strength training. While supine, the patient tightens quadriceps in an attempt to straighten the knee (hold for 5–10 seconds). (C) Straight leg raise. While supine, the patient tightens the quadriceps, flexes the hip and keeps the knee straight while lifting the extremity off the bed (hold for 5–10 seconds), then lowers it slowly.