Postoperative Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery in Patients Who Underwent Surgery for Hip Fractures, Proximal Femur Fractures, and/or Hip Arthroplasty: An Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i9.1349Keywords:
Hip Fractures; Femoral Fractures; Early Ambulation; Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy.Abstract
Introduction: Hip and proximal femur fractures have a high incidence, especially among older adults, and are associated with loss of functional independence, morbidity, and mortality. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential for functional recovery. Objective: To synthesize the available scientific evidence on postoperative mobilization and rehabilitation in the functional recovery of patients undergoing surgical treatment for hip and proximal femur fractures or total hip arthroplasty for degenerative conditions. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, and LILACS databases, with a search performed on August 3, 2026, using descriptors and Boolean operators adapted to each database. Original clinical and observational studies published between 2004 and 2026, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, evaluating mobilization or functional rehabilitation strategies in adults and older adults undergoing these surgeries were included. Duplicate articles, secondary studies, protocols without results, case studies, and studies without outcomes related to functional recovery were excluded. Study selection followed the identification, screening, and eligibility stages according to PRISMA 2020. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 449 studies were identified, of which 10 comprised the final sample. The included studies indicated favorable findings for early mobilization and structured rehabilitation regarding mobility, gait, muscle strength, balance, and functional independence. Early ambulation, progressive weight-bearing, resistance training, and targeted physical therapy were also associated with favorable postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that early mobilization combined with structured rehabilitation may support functional recovery after these procedures. However, the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of the included studies limits direct comparison of the results and the definition of a single rehabilitation protocol.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Márcia Christiane Oliveira Rodrigues, Maria Cecília Ataíde Gomes, Júlia Lopes Ferreira, Vitor Hugo Carvalho Soares, Laura de Alcântara Matera (Autor)
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