KSSTA - 2026-08-26 - Journal Article
Get it moving: Return to activity and sport following primary total knee arthroplasty is not associated with increased adverse events.
Avram GM, Canata GL, Królikowska A, Hirschmann MT, Becker R, Prill R
Topics
Key Takeaway
Current evidence does not demonstrate increased implant-related complications with return to sport after primary TKA, supporting individualized activity resumption including selected high-impact sports.
Summary Depth
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Summary
This editorial synthesizes contemporary evidence on return to sport (RTS) after primary TKA, examining patient selection, implant technology, biomechanical considerations, and rehabilitation protocols. The authors conclude that low-impact activities are appropriate for most TKA patients, while selected patients with prior sporting experience may safely resume higher-impact sports after structured rehabilitation. Critically, no current evidence demonstrates a definitive increase in implant-related adverse events attributable to RTS.
Key Limitation
As an editorial, it lacks a systematic search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, or pooled complication rates, making it impossible to quantify the actual risk of implant-related adverse events with specific sports or activity levels.
Original Abstract
Return to sport (RTS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an increasingly important patient expectation, yet current recommendations remain heterogeneous. This editorial summarises contemporary evidence on RTS after TKA, highlighting patient selection, biomechanical considerations, surgical technique, implant technology and rehabilitation. Current evidence supports an individualised approach based on preoperative activity level, sporting experience and the demands of each sport. Despite this approach, no evidence-based recommendations are currently available. Low-impact activities can be recommended to most patients, whereas selected individuals may safely resume higher-impact sports following structured rehabilitation and appropriate counselling. Importantly, current evidence has not demonstrated a definitive increase in implant-related complications associated with RTS after TKA.