[The Athlete's Endoprosthesis: Sense or Nonsense?]

Joint arthroplasty in young, physically active patients poses a particular challenge for surgeons. Pre-arthritic changes are common in this population. The long life expectancy of younger patients, combined with high functional demands related to work and recreational activities, makes implant selection critical. A variety of implant designs and bearing materials are available to address these requirements. Depending on individual functional demands, different combinations may be chosen to minimize wear and reduce the risk of implant-related complications. In addition, evolving alignment philosophies in knee arthroplasty, patient-specific implants, and robotic-assisted techniques have shown promising results. However, beyond accurate implant positioning, the surgeon's experience and procedural volume remain key determinants of surgical success and patient satisfaction. Increasingly, patients with hip and knee arthroplasties - particularly after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty - are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle, including participation in sports.