Athletic activity after joint replacement

The first decade of the 21st century has been declared the "Bone and Joint Decade" by 35 nations and 44 states in the United States as of March 2001. It is not surprising that Americans are interested in musculoskeletal disea se and the treatment of bone and joint disorders because our population is aging, the prevalence of arthritic joints is increasing, and senior America ns are demonstrating a strong desire to stay active in activities of daily living and athletics. One of the most successful treatments for painful art hritic joints, which limit activity, is total joint replacement, which pred ictably relieves pain and improves function. Much has been written about th e technical aspects of total joint arthroplasty. Less has been written abou t safe and appropriate activities for patients who have had joint replaceme nt operations. This article evaluates athletic activity after joint replace ment by reviewing the orthopaedic literature and surveying members of The H ip Society, The Knee Society, and The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Society. The authors have developed consensus recommendations for appropria te athletic activity for patients who have had joint replacement operations . This article is intended to serve as a guide for orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians who give patients recommendations for athletic act ivity after joint replacement. This article is also intended to stimulate f urther research in the area of athletic activity after total joint arthropl asty.