Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Post Total Hip Replacement in the Case of Avascular Necrosis of the Femur: A Case Report

Abstract

Avascular necrosis of the femur is an irreversible and painful disorder in which the epiphyseal bone suffers from ischemia necrosis owing to an interruption in blood flow to the femoral head, resulting in bone destruction. Later, it leads to osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old male who came with a complaint of pain on the left side of the hip region for the past 15 days. Since the patient tested positive for COVID-19, he was quarantined. An X-ray was carried out once the quarantine period was completed, which revealed avascular necrosis of the left femoral head. He was advised to have a total hip replacement and underwent the surgery. After one month, the patient started experiencing pain on the right side of the hip region. He visited the rural hospital, where an X-ray was carried out, which revealed avascular necrosis of the right femoral head. For reducing pain and improving functional independence and quality of life postoperatively, a well-planned physiotherapy protocol was incorporated, which included lower limb and pelvic floor strengthening exercises and a balance training program. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Harris Hip Score have been used as outcome measures to demonstrate the efficacy of the treatment.