21. How long after the procedure crutches have to be used?

The common rule is: Two crutches have to be used as long as it is needed and felt by the patient himself. The physiotherapist also can decide to discontinue the need of two crutches. In normal circumstances this means: - 4 to 6 weeks for a classical total hip prosthesis or revision. - 1 to 3 weeks for a resurfacing procedure. Everything depends on the patient himself, is different from surgery to surgery. In a young patient with a resurfacing, two crutches can be left at 1 or 2 weeks. In an older patient (>75) with classic THA this becomes 4 to 6 weeks. The use of one crutch starts as indicated above. The change from 2 crutches to 1 crutch depends normally on the possibility of weight bearing on the operated limb, the confidence of putting weight on the limb, and the disappearance of pain with weight bearing. Walking without crutches starts when the disturbed gait disappears, and full weight bearing on the operated limb is no problem anymore.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 August 2006 )

 

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