Orthopedic Surgery

No. The 2-wheeled walker provides additional stability to allow you to walk while putting weight on your operated leg, as per your tolerance. Being able to put weight on your operated leg in an aligned and supported fashion promotes healing. The 2-wheeled walker has fixed wheels that promotes better balance and leg alignment during the early phases of your recovery. The 4-wheeled walker is a lot faster and has swivelled wheels, which does not offer the stability required after a hip or knee surgery, and may slow down your recovery.

No. Driving is not permitted after a knee or hip arthroplasty surgery, regardless of the side you are operated on. Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume driving. On average, you will not be able to drive for 4 to 12 weeks (depending on the type of arthroplasty). Furthermore, as long as you are taking narcotic medications for your pain, driving is prohibited.

Unfortunately, home-based physiotherapy is not publicly funded for this type of elective surgery. You can do your rehabilitation in any hospital offering outpatient physiotherapy services that are part of the provincial program (Bundle of Care). A few examples include Montfort, the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital (Riverside), Kemptville, Cornwall, etc. If you choose to pay for your rehabilitation in a private clinic, you can inquire about home services. You can ask your physiotherapist for a list of clinics or call a physiotherapy clinic near you.

It is possible to use crutches after your surgery if you have good balance and no shoulder injuries prior to your surgery. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you if this is appropriate for you. 

Unless indicated by your surgeon, you can continue with your activities prior to your surgery while respecting your pain level. After your surgery, it is recommended to cease these strenuous activities and focus on the prescribed exercises only. Once a physiotherapist at an outpatient clinic completes your initial assessment after your surgery, they will guide you towards resuming your activities. Generally, you will not be allowed to resume water activities, such as Aquafit for 6 to 8 weeks. Please consult with your physiotherapist prior to resuming any strenuous activities and sports following a joint arthroplasty.

Generally, you will use the 2-wheeled walker (or crutches) for up to 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of arthroplasty and your general mobility. The strength in your thigh muscle will determine the progress with your gait aids, to ensure maximum stability and leg alignment. Your physiotherapist will guide you to a cane after a few weeks. Thereafter, as per your progress and your personal goals (and preoperative mobility), you will be able to progress without a gait aid. Please consult with your physiotherapist prior to progressing gait aids or removing gait aids. Your physiotherapist will assess your strength and mobility and advise you when it is safe to do so.

No. The equipment and convalescence services discussed are not covered by OHIP as this is an elective surgery. However, if you have private health insurance, most of them cover parts or all expenses related to surgery, depending on your coverage. Please call your private insurance to obtain more information in regards to your coverage. You will need a signed prescription by your family physician or surgeon and a proof of payment to receive reimbursement. Furthermore, the government assistive-device program (ADP) does not cover the equipment required for this surgery as this is a temporary need. The ADP only covers long-term equipment needs.

The use of electrotherapy following a recent arthroplasty surgery is contraindicated. Please consult your physiotherapist prior to using any electronic devices near your new joint.

• Conval Aid
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• Motion Specialities
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• Quality Life Services
• Shoppers Home Health Care / Wellwise
• Silver Cross Ottawa

• Canada Care Medical
• Kinemedics

• Good Access Company
• Handi House
• Stride
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• Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart (Kanata)

• Entreprises Médicales de l'Outaouais
• Médi-santé

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