One study from 2012 supports the possibility of these increased risks. It compared 70 individuals who participated in high-impact sports, such as running, and 140 individuals that stuck to just low-impact activities after hip replacement surgery. At 10 years after surgery, they found in the high-impact group there was greater wearing of the implant, greater revision rates, and increased risk of mechanical failure. Interestingly, the high-impact group did show better scores on functional outcome measures, suggesting a possible trade-off of feeling better overall, but having a greater risk of revision surgery.

On the other hand, some argue that high-impact activities, such as running, are beneficial after joint replacement. A major cause of prosthesis loosening is bone loss with aging, known as osteoporosis. The best way to promote bone growth is through weight bearing and resistance exercises. Additionally, running and exercise provides improved muscle strength, decreasing the stresses through the joint.

Some studies found no increased risk with running or high-impact sports. One study looked at 23 patients who returned to jogging after hip replacement. At 5 years after surgery, there was no loosening, abnormal component migration, or excessive wear. Although the sample was small, the authors concluded that jogging did not appear to have any short-term (5 years) negative impact after hip replacement surgery.

Another study presented in 2010 at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons compared patients who participated in heavy manual labor or sports after knee replacement to patients who followed recommended low-impact activity guidelines. They found no significant differences in radiographic findings or implant durability. After accounting for different variables, the researchers concluded that the “sports group” had a 10% increased risk of implant mechanical failure compared to the control group. This small increased risk was not statistically significant.

A 2010 systematic review noted that research shows contradictory results and it is inconclusive if high-impact activity leads to increased risk of future revision surgery. The study did note that the current trend is towards more liberal opinions regarding high-impact running and exercises after knee and hip replacement surgery. The authors also noted the availability of alternative treatments such as partial joint replacements and hip resurfacing techniques (capping the head of the femur, or thigh bone, with metal instead of removing it).

In the end, the decision to try running after joint replacement surgery is a decision that must be made on a person by person basis. If you do decide to try running, here are some tips to help decrease risks: