The benefits of ambulatory physiotherapy after total hip replacement. Clinical practice recommendations

To develop clinical practice guidelines for prescribing ambulatory physiotherapy for patients able to leave the surgery department directly for home just after total knee replacement (THR).

We used the SOFMER (French Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine) methodology, which associates a systematic revue of the literature, collection of information regarding current clinical practice and external review by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Main outcomes considered in the recommendations were impairment, disability, medico-economic implications and postoperative complications.

The literature review results showed some advantage for programs of ambulatory physiotherapy for patients able to return home just after total hip replacement. The main outcomes ameliorated are muscle strength and function. However, studies were methodologically limited. When the patient can return home directly from the surgery department, we recommend ambulatory physiotherapy as suggested by French clinical practice. The program and number and objectives of the ambulatory rehabilitation must be defined in future trials with good methodology. No difference in cost was found if home therapy is used.