Published online Feb 18, 2019. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v10.i2.90
Peer-review started: November 10, 2018
First decision: December 7, 2018
Revised: January 22, 2019
Accepted: January 26, 2019
Article in press: January 26, 2019
Published online: February 18, 2019
Total hip and knee replacements are being performed in increasing numbers in progressively younger patients with higher activity demands. Many such patients have expectations of returning to athletic activity post-operatively yet are not always able to do so and the reasons behind this have not been extensively examined. We hypothesise that any reasons for a failure to return to athletic activity post-operatively are multi-factorial.
To quantify the return to athletic activity following lower limb joint arthroplasty and understand qualitative reasons for altered activity participation.
A single centre, single surgeon retrospective questionnaire for hip and knee arthroplasty patients under age 60 years, minimum two years post-surgery with exclusion criteria of multiple degenerative joint involvement and multiple medical co-morbidities. Outcomes were validated joint-specific (Oxford hip and knee) and lifestyle questionnaires [short form 12 (SF-12) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)] and an activity questionnaire assessing ability participation in athletic activity post-operatively. Statistical analysis was performed on the validated outcome data, including comparison between hip and knee replacements. Frequency tables were produced to quantify the different athletic activities participated in by patients.
Responses were received from 64 patients (80% response rate). There was a statistically significant improvement in Oxford hip and knee scores following surgery. SF-12 scores also improved for all patients, but no statistically significant difference was seen between joints (P = 0.88). Mean UCLA scores pre-operatively were 7.67 and at two years post-operatively were 7.69, with no statistically significant change (P = 0.91). All patients reported high satisfaction and improved ability to perform athletic activity at a higher frequency compared to pre-operatively. The most common reasons for changing activity participation were not wanting to stress their joint replacement or instructions by other doctors or the lead surgeon. There was no difference in the responses to the questionnaire based on type of joint replacement (P = 0.995).
Patients receiving a joint replacement are able to participate in athletic activity to high levels and are satisfied with their outcomes. Reasons for non-participation are multi-factorial.
Core tip: Returning to athletic activity is an important goal for many younger patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Up until now, it is known that, whilst some are able to return to athletic activity, not all patients return to their chosen activity. This qualitative study demonstrates that patients are highly satisfied with their arthroplasty with respect to returning to athletic activity but the reasons for changing their activity of choice varies equally from decisions made by the patient themselves to instructions provided by their surgeon or other medical practitioner.