Fisioterapia Brasil · Oct 14, 2026
Postoperative rehabilitation and functional recovery in patients undergoing surgery to treat hip and proximal femur fractures and/or hip arthroplasty: An integrative review
By Rodrigues MCO, Gomes MCA, Ferreira JL et al.
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 mobilization and postoperative rehabilitation in the functional recovery of patients undergoing surgical treatment of 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 conducted 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 that evaluated 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 research without outcomes related to functional recovery were excluded. Selection followed the identification, screening, and eligibility stages in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 449 studies were identified, of which 10 constituted the final sample. The studies indicated favorable effects of early mobilization and structured rehabilitation on mobility, gait, muscle strength, balance, and functional independence. Early ambulation, progressive weight bearing, resistance training, and targeted physical therapy were also associated with favorable outcomes related to postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that early mobilization combined with structured rehabilitation may promote functional recovery after these procedures. However, the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of the studies limits direct comparison of the results and the definition of a single protocol.