Orthopaedic Specialty Programs: Joint Fracture

Orthopaedic surgeries for joint fractures are very common. Age-related changes, which include a decrease in the resiliency of bone and problems with balance and coordination, make hip and other joint fractures from falls more likely. Because many of these patients live alone, they cannot depend on someone to assist them with daily living activities after they are discharged from the hospital. Therefore, it is important that they participate in a program which focuses on enabling them to perform these tasks themselves.

Although treatment goals and expected outcomes are typically the same for joint fracture as joint replacement, the length of stay is generally longer. Many factors play a role in the need for this extended program. Generally, the patient's weight bearing status determines whether a wheelchair or other adaptive device will be needed for mobility and the need for anticoagulant therapy.

If the patient is at a non-weight bearing status, he will be trained to be as independent as possible utilizing a wheelchair or walker. He will also be taught skills that can be used once he is able to bear weight. The patient's level of independence and health condition prior to fracture is also important when determining which therapies are most needed. Patients will receive physical therapy and occupational therapy which may consist of individualized treatment and/or group treatment. The patient may also participate in aquatics, if determined appropriate by the treatment team.