General considerations:
(1) Exercise is encouraged but may increase the rate of wear on the prosthesis
(2) Orthotics, impact absorbing shoes and activity modifications may be necessary to reduce impact.
(3) The patient should be evaluated prior to starting the activity and monitored for complications.
(4) The patient should adhere to the guidelines outlined by his or her orthopedic surgeon.
Parameters affecting the decision to clear the patient for exercise:
(1) status of joint prosthesis
(2) level of joint impact associated with the sport or exercise (low, low-to-intermediate, intermediate and high)
(3) balance, proprioception and other factors affecting the risk of falling
(4) physical condition
Requirements:
(1) The joint prosthesis should be stable and functioning properly.
(2) Low impact exercise can be pursued by most patients.
(3) Balance and proprioception should be intact. The patient should be at low risk of falling.
(4) Intermediate impact sports should only be done by selected patients in excellent physical condition.
(5) High impact sports should be avoided by anyone with a total joint prosthesis because of risk of injury and/or revision is too high.
