Rehabilitation of the geriatric orthopaedic patient

Older patients who are referred for rehabilitation after undergoing orthopaedic procedures have numerous age-related conditions that may interfere with physical performance and safety. The general rehabilitation goals are to return each patient to the premorbid functional level of mobility and self-care, teach the exercises that are to be performed after hospital discharge, reduce the risk of falls, and ensure that the patient is discharged to a safe environment. Before elective surgery, the elderly orthopaedic patient should be instructed to perform breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary complications and active lower limb exercises to maintain good circulation and joint mobility, and be instructed in functional activities for mobilization in and out of bed. Postoperatively, the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team must facilitate early resumption of active exercises and self-care tasks and discourage prolonged bed rest and dependency on nursing staff and family members. Physical and occupational therapy should be provided to restore mobility and self-care functions. If discharge to home is planned, the home environment should be assessed and modifications recommended to reduce the risk of falls and ensure independent functioning to the extent possible. When the rehabilitation goals have been obtained, the patient should be discharged from the hospital, but additional therapy may be required, either at home or at an outpatient facility.