Rehabilitation of patients with trochanteric hip fractures treated surgically with an angular nail-plate

Background. The angular nail-plate is still one of the most common materials used in Poland to achieve union of the bone fragments in fractures of the proximal femur. The main goal of post-surgical rehabilitation is for the patient to recover locomotion and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Material and method. We examined 102 patients treated surgically at the Cracow Rehabilitation Center for trochanteric hip fractures, using an angular nail-plate. This population was randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received, in addition to the standard rehabilitation applied in the control group, also continuous passive motion (CPM). The patients were tested four times over 12 days to assess progress in rehabilitation, range of movement in the hip and knee, muscle strength in the operated limb (Lovett scale), surgical wound healing, thigh circumference, commencement of locomotion, and ability to use crutches. We also recorded the patients' subjective reactions to rehabilitation and pain symptoms on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. CPM had a significant impact on muscle strength after 12 days (p=0.0001). The thigh circumference was greater in the experimental group. These patients were also more satisfied with the rehabilitation outcome. Conclusions. The application of continuous passive motion in the rehabilitation program for trochanteric fracture of the hip joint after surgical treatment with angular nail-place has a positive impact on the rehabilitation process.