Twenty-one sports activities are recommended by the European Knee Associates (EKA) six months after total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

To elaborate recommendations for sports participation following TKA among the members of the European Knee Associates (EKA). A prospective online survey was conducted among the members of the European Knee Associates (EKA). The European Knee Associates (EKA) are a section of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA). The survey investigated recommendations for 47 sports disciplines. Possible answers were: allowed, allowed if experienced, not allowed, no opinion. The survey was conducted separately for 4 specific time frames: within 6weeks after TKA; 6-12weeks after TKA; 3-6months after TKA; and more than 6months after TKA. Consensus among the respondents was then analyzed. EKA members (N = 120) participated in the survey. A high level of consensus was reached for a recommendation to allow 5 different sports in the first 6weeks after TKA, 7 sports 6-12weeks after surgery, 14 sports 3-6months after TKA, and 21 out of 47 activities 6months after surgery. In the first 6weeks after TKA walking, stair climbing, swimming, aqua fitness, and static cycling were recommended. Six to twelve weeks after TKA, cycling on level ground and yoga were recommended in addition to the aforementioned activities. Further sports activities recommended beyond 12weeks after TKA were: tennis doubles, golf, fitness/weight lifting, aerobics, hiking, Nordic walking and sailing. The sport for which the recommendation was "not allowed" following TKA was squash. The number of sports recommended by EKA surgeons increases stepwise over the postoperative time frames. The findings are regarded as clinically relevant as they may serve as a basis for answering patient questions on timing and giving recommendations for the resumption of sports activities following standard primary TKA and should be individualized by surgeons for their patients' expectations and goals. V.