Total Hip Arthroplasty Rehabilitation in Cambodia

Abstract

Cambodia has recently seen the dawn of a new era in medical practice. Total hip replacement (THR) operations are now available for those who require these services. Post-operative rehabilitation is the crux of a successful hip replacement programme. In this article, the authors discuss their experiences in rehabilitating THR clients in Cambodia, and introduce what they think is the country's first specific protocol for rehabilitation of post-THR clients. In 2007, the Children's Surgical Centre became one of the first providers to offer THRs in Cambodia. From the start, physiotherapists have provided postoperative rehabilitation but, to date, there has been no official protocol to address the specific challenges for THR rehabilitation in this part of the world. Multiple social and cultural factors mean that established protocols from the developed world are not wholly suited to the needs of Cambodian clients. Bearing in mind the lower literacy levels, poverty, language barriers, specific cultural and economic needs of the clients and the unique forms of transportation in Asia, the authors have developed a programme, including a guide with simple Khmer instructions, customised pictures, and a separate client education sheet. The results seen among the THR clients seem promising-there is scope in the future to assess longer term outcomes of THR clients in Cambodia.

Design of a patient information leaflet in a surgical centre in Cambodia

“…6 Emerging physiotherapy programmes play a fundamental role in surgical rehabilitation in Cambodia. 7 The centre has a large group of inpatients and three qualified English and Khmer speaking physiotherapists. They encourage good practice and patients' education programmes such as postoperative exercises, precautions and early mobilisation that are standard in high-income countries.…”