Lace Up Again: Running After Knee Surgery

Running after knee surgery is a big deal. It's not just about getting back on your feet, but also about doing it safely. There are a lot of myths and fears around this topic. People worry about the implant coming loose, especially with cemented ones. But cementless designs seem to be a better option. They help the bone and implant bond better. This is important because more young, active people are getting knee replacements. They want to keep moving and doing the things they love. Research on running after knee surgery is still growing. But more and more people are giving it a shot. A new approach called the FAST protocol is designed to help motivated patients get back to running safely. It combines different techniques, like special implants, less invasive surgery, and personalized physical therapy. The FAST protocol is currently being tested in a trial. It has been approved by the Ethics Board and is registered under NCT06383936. The FAST protocol uses cementless implants, which are designed to promote better bone integration. It also includes minimally invasive surgery and personalized functional alignment. This means the surgery is tailored to each patient's unique needs. Local infiltration analgesia is used to manage pain, allowing patients to start rehabilitation within 24 hours. The rehabilitation process includes range-of-motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and a gradual return to running, usually between 6 to 8 months. Monitoring activity carefully helps prevent inflammation and optimizes recovery. Running after knee surgery used to be a big no-no. But now, with the right approach, it's showing low complication rates. Preoperative fitness and individual patient factors play a big role in how well someone does. The FAST protocol is all about integrating cementless implants, personalized alignment, and structured rehabilitation. It's important to choose the right patients and communicate clearly with them. More research is needed to see how well this works in the long run.