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Kerryn on his feet
walking 3 hours after hip replacement
PATIENTS receiving a new hip are
getting back on their feet faster with the help of better rehabilitation
techniques.
Thanks to the new approach Kerryn Bailey, 54, was walking on his new hip
with support 3 hours after returning from surgery at Ormskirk hospital. He
went home the next day. "I was using a frame at first and then sticks. The crutches we're
gone after 2 weeks and by week 4 I was feeling back to normal," said
Kerryn, from Birkdale, Southport. Also as retired Merseyside Police Officer, of 33 years, who now drives part time
for ASDA, he originally injured his hip in a motorcycle accident and later
began to suffer arthritis. "Before the operation I couldn't walk more than 100 yards, but the
treatment has been fantastic. I couldn't fault the NHS. The operation has
transformed my life," said Kerryn.
The accelerated rehabilitation programme has been developed by the
physiotherapy and occupational therapy team and surgeons at Ormskirk
hospital.
Traditional rehabilitation advised patients to restrict their movements and
make temporary adaptations at home but this limited independence for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
Joanne Kenyon, Orthopaedic Therapy Team Leader at Ormskirk hospital, said
there was little evidence to support the approach:- "Instead we assess
each patient before their operation and provide appropriate equipment for
their individual needs. This reduces anxiety for the patient and saves the
NHS money because we're no longer providing unnecessary equipment."
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Matthew Cartwright-Terry, who performed
Kerryn's operation, added:- "25 years ago it wasn't uncommon for
patients to be in hospital 2 to 3 weeks after a total hip replacement. Now
it's 2 or 3 days; and our ambition to get discharge down to 24 hours where
it's appropriate.
Improved anaesthetics and how we reduce bleeding and swelling have all
helped but so too has our accelerated rehabilitation programme where we're
supporting patients help in their own recovery."
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