Tennis after total hip arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to characterize patients who play tennis afte r undergoing hip arthroplasty in terms of their functional abilities and de gree of satisfaction. A questionnaire was sent to all United States Tennis Association member associations in a tri-state area to identify players who had undergone a hip arthroplasty. The study group had 50 men and 8 women w ith a mean age of 70 years (range, 47 to 89). Only 14% of the patients' sur geons approved this tennis activity, with 34% of the surgeons recommending only doubles. Three patients required revision surgery after a mean of 8 ye ars. One year after arthroplasty, players played both singles and doubles a pproximately three times per week. All tennis players were extremely satisf ied with their hip arthroplasties and their increased ability to participat e in their favorite sport. Because this study was confined to association m embers, further studies are needed to assess the general effect of tennis o n total hip arthroplasty. Until future studies are performed, the authors w ould recommend that physicians advise caution in tennis activities and to c arefully follow their patients yearly to see if osteolysis is occurring pre maturely.