Joint replacement for hip, knee and shoulder
75 percent return home without the need for crutches
Orthopedic rehabilitation has been offered at the Klinik Pirawarth since 2005. Now the demand for inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation in Greater Vienna and Lower Austria can be covered.
"About 600 to 700 people come to us for treatment immediately after joint replacement surgery. Usually it is the hip or the knee, but also the shoulder and occasionally the ankle" explained Dr. Fischlein. Some of the guests are our "regulars" who return to us for rehabilitation many years after the operation and there are those who come for prevention.
Information about resilience and comorbidity
Directly on day one the ward doctor begins with the diagnostic evaluation and general medical history - including lung and heart. If necessary, a blood test is carried out. In the afternoon of arrival the specialists are present at the orthopaedic examinations and physiotherapy assessments. The range of motion of the joints, gait, muscle strength, the statics of the body, the leg length ratios and the pain symptoms are analysed.
Since rehabilitation takes place usually directly after surgery, the doctor's letter contains all the important information, however, the medical specialists need detailed information on the part of the operators regarding the load capacityand relevant comorbidities".
A wealth of individual therapy
Benefits include the maintenance of a well-organized process, intensive care and extensive therapies. The guests also realise this quite quickly, particularly when they recognize their own progress. "But it's important," warns Dr. Fischlein, "that the guest contributes and collaborates.
The objective of the treatment
The objective of treatment is dependent on the individual state and the lives of the guests.
The main issues in therapy for a joint replacement are gait training, reduction of aids, strengthening the muscles and of course freedom from pain. In the Klinik Pirawarth there is a complete range according to state-of-the-art in the four areas of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, electrotherapy - and if needed psychological care. Dr. Kratzsch adds: "The wealth of the holistic treatment range paired with an individual approach of doctors and therapists is already a unique brand of the Klinik Pirawarth".
Do's & Don'ts
Knowledge transfer is also an important issue during rehabilitation. In extensive training guests get to know what they may or may not do. Many presentations are held in which the guests are shown the different prostheses in detail in order to develop an awareness. "We take the time to meet their needs and fears.
Dear Colleagues! All of the assessment team at the Klinik Pirawarth is always open for questions and suggestions and for the exchange of information. We are at your disposal should you wish to discuss with us any special request regarding your patient.