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Field and Stream Recovery: Patient-Reported Return to Hunting and Fishing After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Brett Lowden1, Alexander Burbelo1, William Stone1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, 1600 Medical Center Dr, Huntington, WV 25701, Huntington, WV, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Most patients resume hunting and fishing within six months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). High return rates and recommendations highlight TKA
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Recreational Medicine
Background:
- Pain often limits participation in outdoor activities.
- Limited data exists on return to hunting and fishing post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient ability to resume hunting and fishing after TKA.
- To assess the functional benefits of TKA for outdoor pursuits.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous online survey of TKA patients at a rural academic medical center.
- Collected data on demographics, hunting/fishing habits, return rates, and perceived TKA impact.
- 513 respondents (14.9% response rate) with a majority being male, married, and aged 65-74.
Main Results:
- 75% of patients resumed hunting (mean return: 6.4 months).
- 76% of patients resumed fishing (mean return: 5.9 months).
- 93% would recommend TKA for return to these activities.
Conclusions:
- Most patients resume hunting and fishing within six months post-TKA.
- TKA demonstrates significant functional benefits for outdoor recreational activities.
- Findings support preoperative counseling and managing patient expectations regarding TKA outcomes.
