Abstract
The patientʼs demands and expectations after total hip arthroplasty have increased
significantly. In particular, the athletic function is the focus of the patientʼs
interest, whereby not the basic sports ability is inquired, but also the achievable
sports level. The benefits of increased activity with a reduction in cardiovascular
mortality and the minimization of osteoporosis risk are contrasted by amplified wear
followed by prosthesis loosening. Activities are categorized in low-, intermediate-
and high-impact kind of sport. Patient-based influencing factors such as physical
condition and expertise in his sport, as well as the self-reference of the surgeon
to the desired sport influence the recommendation and advice of the patient. Innovations
in prosthesis design and materials technology allow meeting patientʼs expectations
and aiming to improve the return to sport. After total hip arthroplasty, the majority
of preoperatively active patients return to athletic
activity, although there is a tendency to shift from “high-impact” to “low-impact”
sports. The currently recommended sports include swimming, cycling, Nordic walking,
sailing, golf, hiking, dancing and cross-country skiing. A limited recommendation
exists for tennis (single), alpine skiing, mountain hiking and sportive running. Not
recommended are marathon, football, handball, volleyball, basketball, martial arts,
high jump, water skiing and rock climbing. The recommendations are based primarily
on expert opinions and are in a progressive extension including “high-impact” sports.
Key words
sports after hip arthroplasty - high impact - low impact - wear - joint load
