Active and sporty despite a hip prosthesis

A hip replacement (THA) does not mean the end of an active lifestyle. However, the question arises for tennis lovers: Is tennis possible after implanting an artificial hip joint? The answer is yes! Thanks to modern surgical techniques, innovative implants such as the short-shaft prosthesis and good rehabilitation, the “return to play” is possible for many patients. In this blog you will find out which factors make it easier to return to sport, which precautionary measures are necessary and why short-shaft prostheses in particular can offer tennis players numerous advantages.

What happens when a hip prosthesis is implanted?

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 shaft: This is anchored in the thigh bone. Short-shaft prostheses offer important advantages here.

Indications for a hip prosthesis

A hip prosthesis is usually used for:

• Osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis): Severe wear and tear of cartilage.
• Femoral head necrosis: death of the femoral head bone.
• Fractures: After hip fractures. The implantation of an artificial hip joint is necessary if pain and restricted mobility significantly affect everyday life.

Is tennis possible with an artificial hip joint?

Sporting stress after hip prosthesis

Many sufferers ask themselves whether intensive sports such as tennis are possible after a total hip replacement. The answer is: With the right preparation and a well-fitting implant, tennis enthusiasts can also continue their passion. According to studies, moderate to intensive exercise is usually not a problem for prosthesis patients in the long term.

Benefits of exercise after surgery

Regular sporting activity after a hip replacement:

• Improves prosthesis function: Strengthens muscles and improves coordination.
• Reduces pain: mobility and stability of the hips are promoted.
• Increases 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-shaft hip prosthesis ”)

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

What is a short stem prosthesis?

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

• Protection of the bone: less loss of substance.
• More natural biomechanics: The so-called “anterior tilt” (natural inclination of the thigh bone) is better reproduced.
• Easier revision options: If a change is necessary, more bone is retained.

Short-shaft prosthesis and tennis

The short-shaft prosthesis offers special advantages for physically active people:

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

Technique tips: Tennis with an artificial hip joint

Safe on the court: basic recommendations

After a hip prosthesis, it is important to return to sport slowly and in a controlled manner. Tips for Tennis:

• Warm-up exercises: Mobilize the hip muscles and increase mobility.
• Slow increase in load: Start with controlled hitting practice 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 particular attention:

• Control rotational movements: no sudden changes in direction.
• Pay attention to weight shift: 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 critical to the long-term success of hip replacement. Digital procedures such as scaled X-rays can make a decisive contribution to determining the optimal shaft length and inclination. Particularly in athletic patients, anatomically correct positions of the artificial hip joint can reduce risks such as leg length differences or instability.

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

Tennis is not an unrealistic goal, even after a hip replacement. Modern short-shaft prostheses in particular offer sporty people many advantages through more natural biomechanics and increased safety. With good rehabilitation, conscious playing technique and regular training, there is often nothing standing in the way of returning to the court. However, for optimal results, those affected should consult experienced specialists who not only have the right prosthesis, but also the appropriate implantation techniques.