Active and sporty despite hip replacement

A hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) doesn't mean the end of an active lifestyle. For tennis enthusiasts, however, the question arises: Is tennis possible after hip replacement surgery? The answer is yes! Thanks to modern surgical techniques, innovative implants like the short-stem prosthesis, and effective rehabilitation, a return to play is achievable for many patients. In this blog, you'll learn which factors facilitate a smooth return to sports, what precautions are necessary, and why short-stem prostheses, in particular, can offer numerous advantages for tennis players.

What happens during hip replacement surgery?

Structure and function of an artificial hip joint

An artificial hip joint replaces the natural hip joint and usually consists of three parts:

• The prosthetic head: Usually made of ceramic or metal, it replaces the natural femoral head.
• The prosthetic socket: It is implanted into the pelvis and is usually made of durable plastic or ceramic.
• The prosthetic stem: This is anchored in the femur. Short-stem prostheses offer significant advantages here.

Indications for a hip replacement

A hip replacement is usually performed in the following cases:

• Osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis): Severe cartilage wear.
• Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: death of the femoral head bone.
• Fractures: After hip fractures. Implantation of an artificial hip joint becomes necessary when pain and restricted movement significantly impair daily life.

Is tennis possible with an artificial hip joint?

Sporting activity after hip replacement

Many people wonder if intensive sports like tennis are possible after a hip replacement. The answer is: With the right preparation and a well-fitting implant, even tennis enthusiasts can continue to pursue their passion. According to studies, a moderate to intensive level of exercise is usually unproblematic for prosthesis patients in the long term.

Benefits of exercise after surgery

Regular physical activity after hip replacement:

• Improves prosthesis function: Strengthens muscles and improves coordination.
• Reduces pain: Hip mobility and stability are improved.
• Improves quality of life: Tennis not only promotes physical health, but also increases social interaction and mental satisfaction.

(See also: " More courage for high-impact sports after short-stem hip replacement ")

The role of the short-stem prosthesis in returning to tennis

What is a short-stem prosthesis?

A short-stem prosthesis is a modern hip implant characterized by a shortened stem. Unlike classic straight-stem prostheses, it is not inserted deep into the femur (diaphysis) but remains in the upper part of the bone (metaphysis). This offers several advantages:

• Preservation of the bone: Less substance loss.
• More natural biomechanics: The so-called "anterior tilt" (natural inclination of the femur) is better replicated.
• Easier revision options: If a replacement is necessary, more bone is preserved.

Short stem prosthesis and tennis

The short stem prosthesis offers special advantages for athletically active people:

• Improved freedom of movement: Anatomically correct reconstruction of the hip anatomy facilitates rotational movements.
• High stability: Lower risk of dislocation during athletic activity.
• Faster rehabilitation: Minimally invasive implantation techniques (such as ALMIS or AMIS) reduce soft tissue trauma.

Technical tips: Tennis with an artificial hip joint

Staying safe on the court: Basic recommendations

After hip replacement surgery, it's important to return to sports slowly and carefully. Tips for tennis:

• Warm-up exercises: Mobilize the hip muscles and increase flexibility.
• Gradual increase in workload: Start with controlled hitting drills before playing matches.
• Stabilization through training: Regular strengthening exercises for the hip muscles reduce the risk of dislocation.

Adjust movement sequences

The following points should receive special attention:

• Control rotational movements: Avoid sudden changes of direction.
• Pay attention to weight distribution: always distribute the load evenly over both legs.
• Non-slip shoes: They reduce the risk of injury when stopping abruptly on the court.

The relevance of preoperative planning

Careful preoperative planning is crucial for the long-term success of hip replacement surgery. Digital techniques such as scaled X-rays can play a vital role in determining the optimal stem length and angle. Particularly in athletic patients, anatomically correct positioning of the artificial hip joint can reduce risks such as leg length discrepancies or instability.

Conclusion: Back on the tennis court with a short-stem prosthesis

Even after hip replacement surgery, playing tennis is not an unrealistic goal. Modern short-stem prostheses, in particular, offer many advantages for athletically active people, thanks to more natural biomechanics and increased safety. With proper rehabilitation, conscious playing technique, and regular training, a return to the court is often quite possible. For optimal results, however, patients should consult experienced specialists who are not only skilled in selecting the right prosthesis but also in the appropriate implantation techniques.