Sports activity after total hip resurfacing

Abstract

Background: Little is known about sports activity after total hip resurfacing.

Hypothesis: Patients undergoing total hip resurfacing can have a high level of sports activity.

Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: The authors evaluated the level of sports activities with a standardized questionnaire in 138 consecutive patients (152 hips) 2 years after total hip resurfacing. Range of motion, Harris hip score, and Oxford score were assessed, and radiological analysis was performed.

Results: Preoperatively, 98% of all patients participated in sports activities. Two years postoperatively, 98% of the patients participated in at least 1 sports activity. The level of sports activity decreased after surgery. The number of sports activities per patient decreased from 3.6 preoperatively to 3.2 postoperatively. Intermediate- and high-impact sports, especially tennis, soccer, jogging, squash, and volleyball, showed a significant decrease while the low-impact sports (stationary cycling, Nordic walking, and fitness/weight training) showed a significant increase. Physical activity level at the time of follow-up as measured by the Grimby scale was significantly higher than in the year before surgery. Duration of sports participation per week increased significantly after surgery. Men had a significantly higher sport level than women before and after surgery. Eighty-two percent felt no restriction while performing sports. One-third missed certain sports activities such as jogging, soccer, tennis, and downhill skiing. The Harris hip and Oxford scores showed a significant increase postoperatively.

Conclusion: The results of this short-term follow-up study show that sports activity after total hip resurfacing surgery is still possible. Physical activity level increased with a shift toward low-impact sports. Duration of sports participation increased. High-impact sports activities decreased. These findings can be important for the decision-making process for hip surgery and should be communicated to the patient.