PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN POST-OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF HIP FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Hip fractures are a significant public health issue, particularly among the elderly population, and are frequently associated with osteoporosis, low-energy falls, and the functional decline characteristic of aging. These injuries are linked to high morbidity and mortality rates, increased dependence in activities of daily living, and prolonged hospital stays. In this context, physical therapy plays an essential role in the rehabilitation process, acting from the preoperative period to the postoperative phase, with interventions aimed at preventing complications, recovering mobility, and restoring autonomy. This study aims to analyze the relevance of physiotherapeutic interventions in the postoperative treatment of hip fractures in older adults, discussing the anatomical and functional aspects of the skeletal system, fracture pathophysiology, risk factors, and skeletal classification. Through a literature review, scientific evidence was gathered demonstrating the effectiveness of early mobilization, gait training, active and assisted exercises, electrostimulation, and functional reeducation in promoting independence, reducing hospitalization time, and improving quality of life. It is concluded that physical therapy, when performed early, in a structured and supervised manner, plays a decisive role in the functional recovery of elderly individuals, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary strategies that integrate prevention, rehabilitation, and health education.