Adaptive equipment used in the rehabilitation of hip arthroplasty patients.

Abstract

In this paper an occupational therapy program involved in the acute rehabilitation of patients with total hip replacement and total surface replacement is described. The goal of the program is to help patients achieve independence in activities of daily living by the conclusion of their 2-week hospitalization, while complying with the physical limitations imposed by the surgical protocol. The program consists of instruction in the use of selected adaptive equipment, in activities of daily living, and in environmental modifications. The findings of a retrospective patient survey are included. Specifically, the majority of the patients surveyed were found to be independent in essential activities of daily living by the time they were discharged from the hospital, and that use of the adaptive equipment was very high.