Return to sport after total knee arthroplasty: an Australian perspective

Total knee arthroplasty is a well-established procedure that aims to improve pain, mobility and function. Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between patient satisfaction and their preoperative expectations, including return to sport. This study aims to assess the level of post-operative activity and rate of return to sport after TKA in an Australian population.

A retrospective electronic survey was distributed amongst patients that were 1-3 years post total knee arthroplasty. Patient characteristics and sport participation pre and post operatively was assessed. Standardised questionnaires including University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity-level scale and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were conducted to evaluate activity level and subjective functional outcomes. Further questions regarding barriers to return to sport were distributed.

257 individuals (128 male, 129 female), with mean age of 68 participated in our study. Highest rate of return to pre-operative sport was found in walking, yoga, swimming and bushwalking with an overall rate of 81% return to pre-operative sport. Statistically significant increase was observed in UCLA activity-level score 1.14 and FJS score increase of 54.63. Barriers to return to sport included medical co-morbidities, loss of interest, fear of damage to the implant, and stiffness and pain in the operated knee.

A high rate of return to preoperative sport can be achieved after TKA, but can still probably be enhanced further with more focused rehabilitation specific to individual patient expectations.

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