There are approximately 581,000 total knee replacements performed in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Knee replacements can help you return to your daily activities pain free, and many can even participate in limited sports following a knee replacement. While generally discouraged by physicians, you may be able to play tennis comfortably following your surgery.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is an option for patients with severe knee damage due to arthritis or injury, though it is usually resorted to only when all conservative options -- including medications, activity modification, physical therapy and steroid injections -- fail. During a total knee replacement, a surgeon removes the damaged bones and cartilage in your knee joint, then replaces the damaged portions of your knee with prosthetic parts that can perform the same function as a regular knee. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 90 percent of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience a drastic drop in pain and a significant increase in mobility.
Recovery
Take special precautions during the first few weeks of your recovery in order to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid getting you incision wet, and do not exercise until you get your doctor's approval. Gradually resume walking to help increase your mobility. You doctor or physical therapist may encourage you to climb stairs, sit, stand and perform light household chores, as well as participate in a formal physical therapy program in order to learn how to restore movement and strengthen your knees.
Tennis
According to TotalJoint.info, 65 percent of total knee replacement patients can resume participation in sports. When it comes to tennis, only 21 percent of competitive tennis players receive their doctors' approval to return to this high-impact activity. High-impact activities place a large amount of stress on your new knee joint. A study cited by the eOrthopod website showed that a group of 35 tennis players -- with an average age of 64 -- who have undergone knee replacement surgery reported that they could run faster, stop with ease and change directions on the court quickly.
Risks
Tennis can cause the surface of your prosthetic knee parts to wear. High-impact activity can also create a loosening of the skin around the knee prosthesis, as well as fractures in the bones surrounding your knee. Participating in high-impact activities cause your new knee to wear out in less than the expected 10-year time frame. Your doctor may recommend that you participate in doubles tennis, a lower impact version of the sport.
