Return to Running after Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Individuals who have undergone knee arthroplasty may still want to run, but no study has reported a progression to guide patients and clinicians. The objective of this case report is to document the process of returning to running after total knee arthroplasty with a 1-year follow-up. The client was a 55-year-old woman, former triathlete, who underwent unilateral knee arthroplasty 1 year prior to consultation. She alternated slow running with walking and increased based on symptoms. She also performed a lower limb exercise program. The client was a low-impact forefoot striker, ran with a high step rate and wore minimalist shoes. During the 1-year follow up, she reported no knee pain but experienced minor episodes of calf strains. Towards the end, her comfort level was best when alternating running and walking for 3-4 km, three to four times per week. The client reached her objective of finishing an olympic distance triathlon. The exercise program also helped to increase lower limb strength and improve physical performance. This case report suggests that it is possible to return to running up to 1 year after total knee arthroplasty. Future research should study bigger samples and monitor implant wear to provide better guidance to patients and physiotherapists. Certains individus desirent reprendre la course a pied apres une arthroplastie du genou. Cependant, aucune etude n'a explore une progression securitaire. L'objectif de cette etude de cas est de documenter un retour a la course avec un suivi d'un an. La cliente etait une femme triathlete de 55 ans, ayant subi une arthroplastie unilaterale du genou. Un an apres sa chirurgie, elle a alterne la course a vitesse lente avec la marche et a progresse en fonction des symptomes, en plus d'effectuer un programme d'exercices. La cliente courait avec une attaque avant-pied, a faible impact, avec une cadence de pas elevee et portait des chaussures minimalistes. Pendant le suivi d'un an, elle n'a ressenti aucune douleur au genou mais a subi des blessures musculaires mineures aux mollets. Vers la fin du suivi, un regime hebdomadaire de 3-4 entrainements alternant course-marche pour 3-4 km etait confortable. La cliente a atteint son objectif de completer un triathlon de distance Olympique. Le programme de renforcement a permis d'augmenter la force du membre inferieur et d'ameliorer les resultats aux tests fonctionnels. Cette etude de cas suggere qu'il est possible de retourner a la course apres une arthroplastie du genou, jusqu'a un suivi d'un an.