After orthopedic surgeries, plaster applications, splint applications, prosthesis applications, stiffness and rigidity usually occur in the joints of the patients. After the plaster or splint treatment, the patient cannot use that joint as soft and comfortable as before. The reason for this is the inactivity experienced in the muscles due to the joint. In addition to complaints such as swelling in the joint, limitation of movement and pain with movement, a significant weakness will be observed in the muscles. At this point, orthopedic rehabilitation will come into play. 

What is Orthopedic Rehabilitation?

It is a sub-unit specialized in orthopedic rehabilitation, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and looks after a very intense disease group. After the patient, who is suitable for orthopedic rehabilitation, is evaluated by a physical therapist, a special rehabilitation program is prepared for the patient and in this process, the patient and the physiotherapist start to work one to one. The duration of the treatment and the number of sessions to be performed vary according to the patient’s problems. 

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Applies to Which Patients?

Orthopedic rehabilitation is applied in all orthopedic cases of the musculoskeletal system that require conservative or surgical treatment. Before and after orthopedic intervention (surgery, plaster, splint, prosthesis, etc.), the patient should be evaluated and a short, medium and long-term physical therapy plan should be prepared. Plans for the future of the patient should be discussed with orthopedics and physical therapists and assistants, and an orthopedic rehabilitation protocol should be established at first. 

The task is not only to bring the patient to the highest level of functional well-being and rehabilitate it, but also to protect the patient’s current condition and the surgery performed. Orthopedic rehabilitation; 

• Joint stiffness and circulatory disorders after fracture / dislocation 
• Before and after meniscus, ligament injuries and other sports injuries surgeries, 
• Scoliosis and spinal curvature, 
• After flat feet, foot problems and sports injuries,
• Before and after orthopedic surgeries such as prosthetics. Orthopedic rehabilitation is applied in many diseases that cannot be counted. 

What are the Objectives of Orthopedic Rehabilitation?

The aims of orthopedic rehabilitation are to restore or improve the body functions lost due to defects in the patient’s skeletal structure. The aim is to bring the patient back to his / her job and profession, to bring the patient back to his / her job and profession, to make him / her live without needing anyone else as a result of the treatment. 

The patient to be treated for orthopedic rehabilitation is prepared for a special rehabilitation program after being evaluated by the physiotherapy and rehabilitation specialist and physiotherapist, taking the opinion of the orthopedic specialist. The rehabilitation process is determined as a result of one-to-one work with physiotherapists according to the patient’s potential, the patient’s contribution to the treatment and compliance.

In Which Diseases Is Orthopedic Rehabilitation Applied Most Frequently?

• Amputation rehabilitation; It is the surgical removal of some or all or both together with the bone of the arm or leg. 85% of amputations that can be applied due to many reasons are in the legs. After the patients are stabilized after amputation, orthopedic rehabilitation approach should be initiated and stump rehabilitation should be started. Prosthesis and orthosis are applied for the lost area. Rehabilitation continues depending on the location and condition of the prostheses.
• Endoprosthesis surgeries; Joint prostheses are mostly applied to large joints such as knees, hips and shoulders. Efforts are made not to add new postoperative problems to existing problems already before the surgery. Orthopedic rehabilitation should be started as soon as the patient is stabilized. 
• Fracture rehabilitation; Depending on the condition of closed or operated fractures, physical therapy applications that reduce edema and pain and increase blood flow are performed during the recovery period. After the cast is removed or after the surgical operation, walking sticks or crutches, walking balance training should be given. Orthopedic rehabilitation should be started at the same time.
• Scoliosis rehabilitation; Physical therapy and rehabilitation are of great importance in the pre- and post-operative period. 
• Cruciate ligament injuries to the knee area. 
• Meniscus damage and tears in the knee. 
• Many diseases such as muscle and tendon injuries due to trauma in the shoulders and elbows are included in the fields of orthopedic rehabilitation.

All of these tables are covered within the orthopedic rehabilitation program. Orthopedic rehabilitation is a team work. The team should include personnel from different disciplines such as orthopedic specialists, FTR specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, orthotics and prosthetics specialists.