Return to surfing following hip arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• No prior studies have investigated surfing return post-hip arthroplasty.
• Hip arthroplasty aims to restore function and quality of life.
• Assessing return to high-impact activities is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the rate and safety of returning to surfing after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA).
• To identify factors influencing return to surfing post-hip surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of primary THA and HRA cases (2014-2021).
• Contacted surfer patients to complete surveys on surfing history and outcomes.
• Collected patient-reported outcomes and complication data.

Main Results:

• 83 hips in 67 patients (66 THA, 17 HRA) were analyzed.
• Average follow-up of 67 months with zero dislocations and no hip pain during surfing.
• Median return to surfing time was 16 weeks; 13 patients did not return, citing other health issues or lifestyle changes.

Conclusions:

• Return to surfing after THA and HRA is feasible and safe, with a high success rate.
• Pre-existing arthritis in other joints and extended surfing absence before surgery are predictors of not returning.
• Patients can anticipate a favorable return to surfing post-hip arthroplasty, despite the activity's inherent risks.