My Fitness Edge

Since disorders of the hip are quite common, hip replacement operations account for few of the most commonly performed surgeries. Orthopedic operations differ from other major surgeries because there is trauma to the skeletal system, specifically the bones and joints. This is a natural occurrence of any invasive procedure, yet many still choose to undergo a hip surgery in the hopes of attaining normal and longer lives. As with surgeries to the joints and bones, physical rehabilitation is a must to promote musculoskeletal strength and prevent significant loss of tissue. The functionality of the implant is very conducive to a successful rehabilitation, but the defective hip implants manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics are an exception. Unfortunately, for those who underwent revision surgeries, rehabilitation is more difficult than the first hip replacement.

Hip replacement patients usually undergo rehabilitation for about three months. The timeline below mirrors the progress that patients are expected to show.

One to two days following the hip replacement:
The patient learns to sit and stand, and may in fact walk, as long as someone assists carefully.

Three to five days after:
If there are no post-operative complications, the patient is free to be discharged from the hospital.

Six weeks after hospital discharge:
At this time, the patient starts to practice weight-bearing and range of motion exercises in preparation for normal walking.

From six weeks to three months afterwards:
This time, the patient exercises without canes, crutches, walkers and other assistive devices. Strenuous exercises may be started, such as stair climbing and biking to improve the strength of the trunk, hip and knees.

Three months after:
At this point, the patient has already regained enough strength in the hips with a good range of motion.

However, for recipients of the recalled DePuy hip implants, rehabilitative therapy may last for six months to a year. You can only imagine how much you have to endure just to regain your strength, not to mention the financial burden and the emotional baggage. If not for the defects in the metal hip implants, recovery would have been a fast and memorable one. Do not let this pass—consult a hip recall lawyer now. With all the frustrating events that resulted from the DePuy hip recall, you ought to file a lawsuit against the company to claim the damages that you are entitled to receive.