Return to Sports After Knee Arthroplasty

Technical University of Munich50 enrolled

Overview

The ability to return to sports after joint arthroplasty is increasingly becoming an important factor for patients in terms of their perceived quality of life. In sports orthopaedics, standardized functional tests have already been established - particularly for anterior cruciate ligament injuries - to assess athletic performance and prevent re-injury. These tests allow a stepwise evaluation of a subject's physical readiness for sports. In the field of arthroplasty, and despite increasing sports activity among patients with joint arthroplasty such structured assessment is still lacking. As a result, patients with arthroplasty typically resume sports activities based solely on individual recommendations from the surgeon or treating therapist. However, an objective evaluation of sports capability is currently not available. Therefore the amendment intends to expand the current testing protocol of the already registered and ongoing study (Protocol ID: UBonn\_TKA\_FollowUp) to include additional standardized, evidence-based return-to-sprort-tests.

These return-to-sports-tests are based on validated procedures commonly used in sports orthopaedics, particularly following the stepwise testing concept described by Keller et al.. Initially, the participant's individual sport level is determined via structured anamnesis. This is then followed by level-specific functional testing. Participants who do not perform Level 1 testing correctly will not proceed to Level 2 testing -even if their anamnesis suggests a higher sport level. This stepwise approach ensures safety and prevents injury during the testing process.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SCREENING

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

Return to sports testDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The return-to-sport-tests are based on validated procedures commonly used in sports orthopedics, particularly following the stepwise testing concept described. Initially, the participant's individual sport level is determined via structured anamnesis. This is then followed by level-specific functional testing. Participants who do not perform Level 1 testing correctly will not proceed to Level 2 testing-even if their anamnesis suggests a higher sport level. This stepwise approach ensures safety and prevents injury during the testing process.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 85 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * The study includes all patients with a history of unicondylar or bicondylar knee joint replacement and engagement in sports activity. * All participating patients have provided their informed consent following comprehensive information and explanation. * All participating patients have signed the informed consent form for study participation as well as the data protection declaration after receiving detailed information and clarification. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to understand the patient information and study design (e.g., due to language barriers) or whose compliance is deemed insufficient by the study team * No knee joint endoprosthesis implanted * No engagement in athletic activity

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Level of sports 1-4

Levels of sports are divided into four levels: 1. Sports without jumping; 2. Dynamic sports without pivoting or abrupt stopping movements; 3. Sports involving lateral movements and moderate pivoting or stopping motions (less intense than in Level 4); 4. Sports with jumping, rapid pivoting, and sudden stopping movements.

Time frame: Baseline at the time of measurement