Running activity after hip resurfacing arthroplasty: a prospective study

Abstract

Background: The ability to return to sports activities (especially running) after hip resurfacing arthroplasty seems to be very important for young and active patients who have developed osteoarthritis.

Purpose: To assess the quality of return to sports after hip resurfacing arthroplasty by examining the time spent running, weekly mileage, and the possibility of returning to competition in a series of patients.

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

Methods: A prospective, consecutive series of 202 patients (215 hip resurfacings) was assessed to evaluate the possible resumption of running activity (time spent, weekly mileage, return to competition). Of this initial cohort, 40 patients (43 resurfacings, 21%) practiced running preoperatively. Mean age at hip resurfacing arthroplasty was 50.7 years (range, 31-61 years). No patients underwent revision surgery. A questionnaire was administered to assess the number, type, and level of sports activities. Among patients who practiced running, we determined, preoperatively and at last follow-up, their weekly mileage and whether they were competitors.

Results: At last follow-up, 33 of 40 patients (36/43 hips) still practiced running (P = .74), with 91.6% of them resuming running. Mean average recovery time before running at a level assessed as good by patients was 16.4 weeks (range, 5-36 weeks). The number of patients running more than 4 hours per week increased from 18 to 23. Similarly, the time devoted to running at last follow-up remained high (mean, 3.1 hours per week) with no statistically significant difference from the preoperative period (P = .54). Moreover, patients were still engaged in competition without statistical difference between the 2 periods (P = .82).

Conclusion: Running is possible after hip resurfacing, and runners can even return to some level of competition, but this short follow-up series of hip resurfacing in athletes should be interpreted with caution regarding implant survival.