The role of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of functional dysfunctions after hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis

Authors

  • Yasmim Carneiro Pestana Santa Terezinha University Center - CEST
  • Luana Rodrigues de Lima Sipaúba Santa Terezinha University Center - CEST

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n5p1555-1582

Keywords:

Total Hip Arthroplasty, Hip Osteoarthritis, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Functional Physical Performance

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent global degenerative condition that causes chronic pain and severe mobility limitations. In advanced stages, Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the primary surgical intervention; however, the procedure alone does not immediately resolve the muscle activation deficits and compensatory gait patterns established during the preoperative period. Objective: To describe the role of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of post-THA functional dysfunctions in patients with osteoarthritis, analyzing the main associated dysfunctions and evaluating the influence of physical therapy interventions on the recovery of joint function. Methods: This is a literature review. Articles related to postoperative physical therapy treatment for hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis, written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish between 2016 and 2026, were included. The search utilized the descriptors "Physical Therapy", "Rehabilitation", "Total Hip Arthroplasty", "Osteoarthritis", "Hip", and "Functional Status" in both Portuguese and English across the MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library databases. Following the application of selection criteria, 10 studies were selected. Results: The findings indicate that patients who do not undergo a continuous exercise program exhibit persistent functional limitations, restricted range of motion (ROM), and a significant reduction in peak isometric torque of the hip-stabilizing musculature up to the sixth postoperative month. Conversely, the implementation of perioperative physical therapy significantly reduces the level of functional dependence, restoring autonomy in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Additionally, clinical equivalence and safety were observed in the use of properly guided and monitored home-based protocols compared to the traditional in-person model. Conclusion: Physical therapy intervention acts as an indispensable mediating element in the postoperative period of THA, converting the anatomical gain provided by the prosthesis into effective biomechanical restoration, physical independence, and improved quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Yasmim Carneiro Pestana, Santa Terezinha University Center - CEST

Undergraduate student in physiotherapy at the Santa Terezinha University Center - CEST.

Luana Rodrigues de Lima Sipaúba, Santa Terezinha University Center - CEST

Holds a degree in PHYSIOTHERAPY from Faculdade Santa Terezinha - CEST (2008). Specialist in FAMILY HEALTH from Faculdade Santa Terezinha - CEST (2011). Master's student at Universidade Del Sol - UNADES (2021-2023). Currently a professor at Faculdade Santa Terezinha - CEST. Has experience in the areas of trauma-orthopedic, rheumatological, neurological, sports, public health and hydrotherapy physiotherapy.

References

AHMED, F.; et al. Intervenções fisioterapêuticas no tratamento de pacientes após artroplastia total do quadril: uma revisão narrativa. Physiotherapy Quarterly, v. 32, n. 3, p. 1–6, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pq/171611.

BUDIB, M. B.; et al. Influência da reabilitação física sobre aspectos funcionais em indivíduos submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril: uma revisão sistemática. Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia, v. 23, n. 2, e190252, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562020023.190252.

COACCIOLI, S. et al. Osteoarthritis: new insight on its pathophysiology. Journal of Clinical Medicine, v. 11, n. 20, art. 6013, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11206013.

COPPOLA, C. et al. Osteoarthritis: insights into diagnosis, pathophysiology, therapeutic avenues, and the potential of natural extracts. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, v. 46, n. 5, p. 4063–4105, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050251.

CRAIK, J. D. et al. Cemented versus uncemented total hip arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal, v. 98, n. 4, p. 450-457, 2016.

ENGE JÚNIOR, D. J. et al. Main complications of hip arthroplasty: pictorial essay. Radiologia Brasileira, v. 53, n. 1, p. 56–62, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-3984.2018.0102.

FARAZ, A. et al. Retrospective review of arthroplasty radiographs: how to define an adequate radiograph. Cureus, v. 14, n. 7, e26697, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.26697.

FERNÁNDEZ-PALOMO, L. J.; GONZÁLEZ-POLA, R. Direct anterior approach complications for total hip arthroplasty. Acta Ortopédica Mexicana, v. 37, n. 6, p. 361–367, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35366/114163.

GLENISTER, R.; SHARMA, S. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, hip. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2026. Disponível em: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526019/. Acesso em: 14 abr. 2026.

GLENISTER, R.; SHARMA, S. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, hip. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2026. Disponível em: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526019/. Acesso em: 14 abr. 2026.

GOLD, M.; MUNJAL, A.; VARACALLO, M. A. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, hip joint. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2026. Disponível em: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470555/. Acesso em: 14 abr. 2026.

GUO, X. et al. Regeneration of articular cartilage defects: therapeutic strategies and perspectives. Journal of Tissue Engineering, v. 14, art. 20417314231164765, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20417314231164765.

HE, Y. et al. Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: risk factors, regulatory pathways in chondrocytes, and experimental models. Biology, v. 9, n. 8, p. 194, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology9080194.

HEBERT, S. et al. Ortopedia e Traumatologia: Princípios e Prática. 5. ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2017.

JANG, S.; LEE, K.; JU, J. H. Recent updates of diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment on osteoarthritis of the knee. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, v. 22, n. 5, 2619, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052619.

KATZ, J. N.; ARANT, K. R.; LOESER, R. F. Diagnosis and treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis: a review. JAMA, v. 325, n. 6, p. 568–578, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.22171.

LEWIS, S. R. et al. Arthroplasties for hip fracture in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, v. 2, n. 2, eCD013410, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013410.pub2.

LOPES, B. M.; et al. Patients who present with functional limitations, limited range of motion and reduced muscle strength 6 months after total hip arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia, v. 57, n. 6, p. 953–961, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1732388.

LOPES, Bruna de Moraes et al. Pacientes que apresentam limitações funcionais, amplitude de movimento limitada e força muscular reduzida, 6 meses após a artroplastia total do quadril: um estudo de corte transversal. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia, v. 57, n. 6, p. 953-961, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1732388.

LOPES, Bruna de Moraes. Efeitos de protocolos de reabilitação com supervisão presencial ou domiciliar no pós-operatório recente de artroplastia total de quadril: ensaio clínico randomizado. 2020. Tese (Doutorado em Ciências da Reabilitação) – Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, 2020.

LOU, Z.; BU, F. Recent advances in osteoarthritis research: a review of treatment strategies, mechanistic insights, and acupuncture. Medicine (Baltimore), v. 104, n. 4, p. e41335, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000041335.

MAK, M. S.; TEH, J. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip: anatomy and pathology. Polish Journal of Radiology, v. 85, p. e489–e508, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pjr.2020.99414.

MAO, L. et al. Targeted treatment for osteoarthritis: drugs and delivery system. Drug Delivery, v. 28, n. 1, p. 1861–1876, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2021.1971798

MARK-CHRISTENSEN, Thomas et al. Physical rehabilitation versus no physical rehabilitation after total hip and knee arthroplasty: A replication trial in 169 patients with a 12-month follow-up (DRAW2). medRxiv [preprint], p. 1-20, 2 set. 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.02.25334893.

MATOS, L. R. R. S.; et al. Fisioterapia no pós-operatório de artroplastia de quadril: uma revisão sistemática. Fisioterapia Brasil, v. 21, n. 6, p. 609–618, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33233/fb.v21i6.4162.

MOSENG, T. et al. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, v. 83, n. 6, p. 730–740, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/ard-2023-225041.

PARALIOV, A. T.; et al. Hip osteoarthritis-clinical-statistical study and surgical treatment. Current Health Sciences Journal, v. 50, n. 2, p. 246–255, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12865/CHSJ.50.02.10.

PAULA, F. M.; CERANTO, M. C. Os benefícios da fisioterapia associados à osteopatia no pós-operatório de artroplastia de quadril por artrose: estudo de caso. Revista de Trabalhos Acadêmicos Universo, v. 6, n. 12, p. 1-5, 2024.

PELLEGRINI, Lorena; VIEIRA, Giovanna; TUZA, Fábio Augusto D'alegria. Reabilitação fisioterapêutica no pós-operatório de artroplastia total do quadril. Rev. Mult. do Núcleo de Pesquisa e Extensão (REMUNOM), v. 21, n. 1, p. 1-19, 2025.

QIAO, L. et al. Epidemiological trends of osteoarthritis at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2050. Arthritis Research & Therapy, v. 27, n. 1, 199, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-025-03658-w.

RAMPAZO, Mariana K.; D'ELBOUX, Maria José. A influência de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e funcionais sobre a qualidade de vida de idosos com artroplastia total do quadril. Brazilian journal of physical therapy, v. 14, p. 244-251, 2010.

SARA, L. K.; LEWIS, C. L. Rehabilitation phases, precautions, and mobility goals following total hip arthroplasty. HSS Journal: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, v. 19, n. 4, p. 494–500, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316231192980.

SILVA, J. C. A. et al. Comparison of pre- and postoperative functional dependence in older adults submitted to hip arthroplasty. Fisioterapia em Movimento, v. 37, 2024, e37114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2024.37114.

SILVA, Jefferson Carlos Araujo et al. Comparação do nível de dependência funcional pré e pós-operatório de idosos submetidos à artroplastia de quadril. Fisioter. Mov., 2023, v. 37, e37114.

SILVA, Pedro Afonso Cazarin da et al. É possível predizer os valores da funcionalidade no pós-operatório de artroplastia total de quadril após exercícios aquáticos? In: CONG. BRASILEIRO DE FISIOT. AQUÁTICA, 2024b, Londrina. Anais eletrônicos [...]. Campinas: Galoá, 2024. Disponível em: https://galoa.com.br/. Acesso em: 19 mai. 2026.

STEINMETZ, J. D. et al. Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990–2020 and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology, v. 5, n. 9, p. e508–e522, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00163-7.

STEINMETZ, J. D. et al. Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990–2020 and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology, v. 5, n. 9, p. e508–e522, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00163-7.

VÉLEZ-SLIMANI, H.; HERNÁNDEZ-MONTELONGO, J.; SALAZAR, L. A. Recent developments in osteoarthritis research: innovative therapeutic approaches and the role of polyphenols and nanotechnology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, v. 26, n. 18, p. 8925, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26188925

VIEIRA, Giovanna; PELLEGRINI, Lorena; TUZA, Fábio Augusto D'alegria. Reabilitação fisioterapêutica no pós-operatório de artroplastia total do quadril. REMUNOM, v. 21, n. 1, p. 1-19, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61164/becnvq26.

YAN, L. et al. Comparative efficacy and safety of exercise modalities in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ, v. 391, p. e085242, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-085242.

Published

2026-05-22

How to Cite

Pestana, Y. C., & Sipaúba, L. R. de L. (2026). The role of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of functional dysfunctions after hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis. Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences, 8(5), 1555–1582. https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n5p1555-1582