This debate has been a hot topic over the last few years: what are the activity restrictions after total/partial knee replacement? Can you train for the marathon you're always wanted to run, or are you destined to be bed-ridden like Charlie Bucket's family? You'd think there would be a strict set of guidelines established, but that's not really the case.
Lets look at the 2 major factors to implant longevity (excluding infection and advanced osteoarthritis). The first is prosthetic wear, where over time, the metallic and plastic compounds gradually break down. This is inevitable to an extent; artificial components are no match for the rejuvenating capability of normal cartilage and bone. This deterioration can be minimized though by maintaining a healthy weight (less load on the components) and by advancements in modern polymers. Biomet, the manufacturer of the Oxford partial knee, became the first company to offer a lifetime replacement warranty on their partial knee system. By recreating the stress and wear patterns in a laboratory, they've demonstrated the long-term durability of their components... and quite a sales pitch!
The second common cause of replacement failure, termed "aseptic loosening", is used to describe the loosening of the prosthesis from the bone. There's a couple ways to hold things tight in there; cement is the most commonly used method. Over time, this bond can become compromised and cause early failure. There are several biological mechanisms for osteolysis (aka bone reabsorption), but the most common explanation is due to the wear particles (of metal and plastic) and the body's immune response to them.
Now surgeons take a conservative stance on post-op activities the same way your mechanic wants you to come in for regular service; They're both oriented on the long-term outcome. But as a mechanic can't tell you exactly how fast your car can go, a surgeon can't tell you exactly what you can and can't do with your new knee. Low impact activities such as walking, swimming, hiking and cycling are the typically encouraged. Activities on the borderline include tennis and skiing while high impact activities like basketball, soccer and running are not encouraged. Sounds like a conservative set of recommendations to cover ones butt.
Then you have someone like Dick Beardsley, a professional runner with two knee replacements who continues to pursue marathon running even after his surgeries. Of course this is the rare exception, but nevertheless testament to what these components are capable of.
I was the #1 seeded tennis player my senior year in High School. My best half-marathon time was 1 hours and 37 minutes. I've done my share of high-impact activities, and come to grips with my new scope of limitations. What I can't wrap my head around is living a life drastically inhibited by the physical properties of metal and plastic.
A practical outlook involves "reasonable" activities and responsible care of my new knee. This means no running but maybe some jogging, no singles but maybe some doubles tennis, and no full-court basketball but maybe a game or "horse". This is a compromise between preserving my knee and enjoying the activities that make me happy.
Lets look at the 2 major factors to implant longevity (excluding infection and advanced osteoarthritis). The first is prosthetic wear, where over time, the metallic and plastic compounds gradually break down. This is inevitable to an extent; artificial components are no match for the rejuvenating capability of normal cartilage and bone. This deterioration can be minimized though by maintaining a healthy weight (less load on the components) and by advancements in modern polymers. Biomet, the manufacturer of the Oxford partial knee, became the first company to offer a lifetime replacement warranty on their partial knee system. By recreating the stress and wear patterns in a laboratory, they've demonstrated the long-term durability of their components... and quite a sales pitch!
The second common cause of replacement failure, termed "aseptic loosening", is used to describe the loosening of the prosthesis from the bone. There's a couple ways to hold things tight in there; cement is the most commonly used method. Over time, this bond can become compromised and cause early failure. There are several biological mechanisms for osteolysis (aka bone reabsorption), but the most common explanation is due to the wear particles (of metal and plastic) and the body's immune response to them.
Now surgeons take a conservative stance on post-op activities the same way your mechanic wants you to come in for regular service; They're both oriented on the long-term outcome. But as a mechanic can't tell you exactly how fast your car can go, a surgeon can't tell you exactly what you can and can't do with your new knee. Low impact activities such as walking, swimming, hiking and cycling are the typically encouraged. Activities on the borderline include tennis and skiing while high impact activities like basketball, soccer and running are not encouraged. Sounds like a conservative set of recommendations to cover ones butt.
Then you have someone like Dick Beardsley, a professional runner with two knee replacements who continues to pursue marathon running even after his surgeries. Of course this is the rare exception, but nevertheless testament to what these components are capable of.
I was the #1 seeded tennis player my senior year in High School. My best half-marathon time was 1 hours and 37 minutes. I've done my share of high-impact activities, and come to grips with my new scope of limitations. What I can't wrap my head around is living a life drastically inhibited by the physical properties of metal and plastic.
A practical outlook involves "reasonable" activities and responsible care of my new knee. This means no running but maybe some jogging, no singles but maybe some doubles tennis, and no full-court basketball but maybe a game or "horse". This is a compromise between preserving my knee and enjoying the activities that make me happy.