Sports after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

No information is available concerning patients' sports activity after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS

Patients treated by hip resurfacing arthroplasty will be able to achieve a high level of sports activity.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

We surveyed 112 patients by postal questionnaire to determine their sporting activities at a mean of 23.5 (range, 9-40) months after hip resurfacing surgery. Data were also analyzed separately for older and younger patients and women and men, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 112 patients, 110 participated in an average of 4.6 sport disciplines after surgery, compared with 105 patients pre-operatively engaged in an average of 4.8 disciplines. About 26% performed sports 4 times per week or more--almost 60% for longer than 60 min at each session. A high proportion of our patients were still engaged in downhill skiing (51%) and in high-impact disciplines such as tennis (12%) or contact sports (22%). More than 50% of the patients commenced sports within the first 3 months after surgery. During activities, 70% were completely pain-free. The group of older patients (mean age, 60.2 years) participated in more different disciplines with a higher weekly frequency and longer session length than younger patients (mean age, 46.4 years).

CONCLUSION

The present study reports for the first time on the detailed sports activity and activity extent after hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Our patients could return to a high level of sports participation after surgery. Age-related differences were found that have not yet been published. Nevertheless, further follow-up is necessary to assess the influence of high-level activity on loosening and revision rates after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.