Abstract
A 68-year-old male patient status post right total hip arthroplasty was seen for physical therapy in the acute care hospital setting. The patient was seen three times over the course of two days and treatment was initiated within 24 hours after surgery. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physical therapist. The initial examination included assessment via goniometry, manual muscle testing, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Wells Score, the Boston University Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Inpatient Short Form, and patient report. The patient presented with impairments in range of motion, strength and pain as well as limitations in functional mobility. A plan of care was implemented towards the achievement of the following goals: improvements in range of motion, strength, and functional mobility; decreased pain, management of deep vein thrombosis risk level and discharge home. Primary interventions were consistent with the hospital’s chosen clinical pathway and included task-specific training as well as therapeutic exercise. At discharge the patient achieved goals set for range of motion, strength, pain level, and one out of two functional mobility measures. The patient achieved his main goal - discharge to home - with a home exercise program and follow-up care with home health physical therapy.