Sport advice given by Dutch orthopaedic surgeons to patients after a total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe advice given to patients in the Netherlands regarding sport activities after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) is currently based on the opinion of the individual orthopaedic surgeon.AimTo give an overview of the sport advice given by Dutch orthopaedic surgeons and to examine whether surgeons are familiar with the Dutch health-enhancing physical activity (PA) recommendations (NNGB).Methods472 surgeons were selected to fill in a questionnaire regarding 40 sport activities for four patient age groups (in years): 1) THA65, 3) TKA65. Surgeons were also asked if they discuss the role of PA postoperatively and about their knowledge and application of the NNGB.ResultsThere was consensus on 29 sport activities for the THA65 group. In the TKA65 group for 32 activities. Amongst orthopaedic surgeons performing THAs and TKAs, respectively 77% and 79% discussed the role of PA postoperatively with their patients, and a total of 34% and 41% were familiar with the NNGB, with 33% and 34% of them giving NNGB-based advice.ConclusionResults can be used to recommend sport activities after THA/TKA. Although the majority of orthopaedic surgeons discuss the role of PA postoperatively with their patients, familiarity with health-enhancing PA recommendations is lacking.