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Time for return to sport following total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

  • Knee Arthroplasty
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

The frequency of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing, particularly in younger and more active patients. In these patients, there may be greater functional demands, with an expectation to return to sporting activities (RTS) following TKA. There is a paucity of data on the time to RTS following TKA and the aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the time to RTS following TKA.

Methods

Using the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic search of PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for trails was performed on TKA and RTS in English language, published since the inception of the database to 31st October 2020. Data evaluating the time to RTS and functional outcomes were recorded by two authors independently that were included in the analysis. Pooled analysis using random effect model on overall proportions at the different time intervals and at the end of the follow-up was carried out for all studies.

Results

In total, 1,611 studies were retrieved from literature search. Of these, nine studies met the inclusion criteria with 1,307 patients. Two studies with 148 patients demonstrated an overall pooled proportion of 18.7% (95% CI 8.2–32.3%) of patients RTS at 3 month post-TKA; Three studies reported RTS rate at 6 months 70.% (95% CI 48–88.4). Two studies with 123 patients demonstrated an overall pooled proportion of 84.0% (95% CI 77.1–89.9%) patients RTS at 12 months. 986 patients returned to sport from total of 1307, with an overall adjusted proportion return to sport of 87.9 (95% CI 80.5–93.8%) at the end of follow-up; mean 14 months (range 3–36 months).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing TKA were found to successfully RTS, pooled proportion analysis showed an increasing rate of RTS with time, at a mean of 14 months following TKA, where 87.9% of patients had returned to sports. The findings of this study will enable more informed discussions and rehabilitation planning between patients and clinicians on RTS following TKA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, Fitzrovia, London, NW1 2BU, UK

    A. Magan, J. Baawa-Ameyaw, B. Kayani, G. Radhakrishnan & F. S. Haddad

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Princess Grace Hospital, 42-52 Nottingham Pl, Marylebone, London, W1U 5NY, UK

    A. Magan, J. Baawa-Ameyaw, B. Kayani, G. Radhakrishnan & F. S. Haddad

  3. Institute of Sports, Health and Exercise, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, Fitzrovia, London, NW1 2BU, UK

    F. Ronca & F. S. Haddad

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  1. A. Magan
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Correspondence to J. Baawa-Ameyaw.

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There are no direct or indirect conflict of interest in relation to this manuscript. Financial interests: Authors JBA, AM, BK, GR, and FR declare they have no financial interests. Author FSH has received speaker honoraria from Stryker, Smith & Nephew, MatOrtho, Corin. Author FSH has received consultant honoraria from Stryker, Smith & Nephew. Author FSH has received royalties from Springer. Author FSH has received research funding from Stryker, Smith & Nephew, MatOrtho, Corin, Zimmer. Non-financial interests: Author FSH has served on advisory boards for Bone and Joint Surgery, Annals of Royal College of Surgeons, Hospital Medicine, IHS, BOSTAA, BOA, ISEH, NCSEM. Authors JBA, AM, BK, GR, and FR declare they have no non-financial interests.

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Magan, A., Baawa-Ameyaw, J., Kayani, B. et al. Time for return to sport following total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 142, 3427–3436 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-021-04180-9

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