Athletes faced with injury who have to undergo procedures such as hemiarthroplasty,are always anxious to return to training and competition. So it’s not surprising that one of the questions they often ask their surgeon is – I’m an athlete: when can I start working out with full motion after Hemiarthroplasty procedure?
What is Hemiarthroplasty?
Hemiarthroplasty is anoperation that is done to replace one half of a joint surface with a prosthesis. It is considered a partial joint replacement, because only the ball of the joint is replaced (learn more).
A hip hemiarthroplasty is often recommended for repairing a hip fracture. In this procedure the ball portion of the joint is replaced, leaving the socket portion unchanged. This is possible because very often when there is an injury to the hip, the socket is not injured.
How soon can athletes return to working out with full range of motion?
Physical therapy is usually required during the hospital stay, and this involves strengthening exercises, designed to get the joint moving again.After about 2 weeks muscle strength is regained, and range of motion exercises are prescribed.However, since the joint continues to be vulnerable, patients are advised to take things slowly until the incision is fully healed, and the muscle is stronger.
Resistance is built slowly over the following weeks, and it may take anywhere from 4 to 6 months before athletes can return to working out with full range of motion. However this will vary, so patients are advised to adhere to their surgeon’s recovery protocol and recommendations (read more).
Clients in the greater Fort Lauderdale area can contact Frank McCormick, MD for additional information on recovery after hemiarthroplasty. Dr. McCormick can be contacted at 866-956-3837.