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I'm flattered Zack, thanks. I'm no MD, just a guy who likes to know as much as possible before a surgery. And I ran many, many marathons so I'm pretty familiar with knee anatomy.
If your question refers to playing court sports after a TKR, I'd say don't do it. Ironically, a successful TKR opens up a whole new world of pain-free cardio training - bike, rowing, spinning - but no impact activities, so no running, and I would think that includes court sports. And court sports involve a lot of very fast changes in direction, putting added stress on the knee and the medial and lateral/collateral ligaments.
Court involve a lot of sideways motion. Please understand that unlike hip or shoulder replacements, a TKR is not anatomically correct. In place of the cushioning menisci and articular cartilage are very hard pieces of plastic, spacers really.
Over time, impact sports will wear those plastic prostheses down. And I wouldn't risk sports involving sideways motion.
Best bet is to ask a knee surgeon. I'm guessing the Dr. would also say no. Sorry!
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Many thanks, heyjoe. You are clearly knowledgeable and engaged.
I’ve talked to a several surgeons and none have said “no” to court sports. They generally refer to the range of activities engaged in by their post-surgery patients. Last one shrugged and said one of his TKR patients is an ultramarathoner. Or they hedge by saying doubles tennis is ok.
I’m both a swimmer and a cyclist but I enjoy my weekly handball game, for social reasons as much as the exercise.
Each one of these surgeons are top-flight people of integrity, practicing in a major metro. Still, the whole process is a bit like asking the barber if you need a haircut. I wish there were a consultant, completely independent.