ice hockey after knee replacement

by John
(fenton michigan)

I play hockey now 3 times a week ( had knee surgery 20 years ago)on left knee
I have no ACL use a donjoy knee brace & 3 advils , plus extra strength ben gay before each ice time. But it is not getting any better. I believe I am at 65% performance on that knee.

If I can still play hockey ( and water ski on the the slalom course) that is what I would like to do, with improved performance.

So my question is after knee replacement surgery can I play hockey?

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ice hockey after knee replacement

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Oct 19, 2008
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hockey after TKR
by: Bart - SII

I wish I could give you a straight answer, but I have very little experiences dealing with TKR's.
I know that the technology and techniques for knee replacements are improving every year - and returning to a lot of different activities is possible. I am not sure about hockey or slalom skiing though.

Talk to your doctor about your prognosis after replacements - they should have an idea of what kind of things you will be able to do.

Sorry I can't help more.

Bart

Oct 18, 2010
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Hockey after Knee Replacement
by: Jimmy Rags51

I injured my knee nine years ago in a boating accicent (in my yard, yes in the YARD!), the Doctor basically repaired my knee with donor parts (menuscus), few screws and a plate (five operations). That got me five more years of playing and now I'm getting bone on bone in my knee, I'm going through a series of Orthovisk shots to buy some time, but it's already been diagnosed I will need a total knee replcement and (repaired knee)my good knee needs a partial.
I'm 53 and maybe I should finally give up playing....NaHHhh! I play pickup hockey, it's my hour and we've had it for 38 years come Febuary.
I still play with my friends and my son as well.
I would really hate to give it up. With modern medcine you'd figure by now that the Knee joint would have been perfected along the lines of replacement. I was told if it does wear out the can refit the joint without removing it from the bone. I'm really not ready to give up my knee but it looks like both are on the way out...

Nov 10, 2010
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Hockey...my love
by: Tom

I am 49.

When I read your question, I thought I had wrote it. I have had the same exact surgery (except used patellar tendon), and now am bone on bone. I play 3-4 times a week at least 48 weeks a year. My Orthopod has told me I will need TKR.

So I asked him will I be able to play afterwards. He told me I could, but it will wear the knee out sooner, and I may need another replacement when I am in my 70's, and recovery is more difficult. He asked me if I could bear the pain, and since I have been living with this same pain for the last 10 years, I told him I am used to it. His response was to continue to play until I can't bear the pain anymore, then get the TKR.

My biggest concern now is that if I wait, will I ever get a TKR due to Obamacare.

Long and short, I am playing until I can't walk anymore, getting it replaced, and assessing the situation then. Hopefully, I will play another 10 years.

Cheers!

Jan 22, 2011
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Gotta be a solution
by: David in NJ

50 years old, no right ACL, just bone and arthritis after two orthroscopic repairs. Oh yeah, ice hockey twice a week, year round.

One surgeon told me no hockey after TKR. Another told me only "old man" hockey. I'm going to try the Orthovisk while I think about it. But I'm not likely to take recommended advice. I do know this sucks, but I'm glad to hear from you guys.

Mar 30, 2011
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I play hockey with 2 knee replacements
by: Steve Haines

I had my first knee replacement (total knee) in 1997. The 2nd on in 2007. I play mens hockey 3-4 times per week - no pain. My first one I had done April 15, skated warmups in July and started games in September. The 2nd one I had done May 1, skated warmups the end of June, and started games the end of July.

I worked my knees hard before each surgery and worked hard on strength training afterward. I still workout hard. In 2011 I turned 51.

The knees worked out great. I had them done in Muskegon, MI - Dr. Schneeberger (1997) Dr. Levin (2007).

Aug 25, 2011
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Don't want to give up hockey
by: Anonymous

I'm so happy to see people are playing hockey after knee replacements. I'm 47 female and playing occasional rec league hockey. I need a partial knee replacement and am worried I won't be able to play after that. I'm interested in hearing how those of you who have been playing are doing it? Are you protecting the knee with a brace when you play or doing anything different? Has anyone fallen on the knee and if so, any problems? Thank you

Aug 25, 2011
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No braces when playing ice hockey
by: Steve Haines

When I play I don't use any knee braces. As I wear shin pads when playing I have not had any problems when falling on my knees.

Jan 27, 2012
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2 total knees NEW
by: melanie

I am 49 year old women I had my first knee 2009 second 11/29/2010. It was a great decision would've done it sooner if I had known. I play Ice hockey men's and woman's travel I was on the ice doing drills at 5 weeks. it was the first time I was pain free while skating. I now can dig deeper into the ice and go faster already I can't wait till my first tournament it is States 1/17 working in the gym and on the ice my rec team won nationals 2010 with my one knee look out this year I have been nicknamed bionic women I plan on bringing home the win once again this year for my Orthopedic Dr George Markvich. He gave me a pain free full life back. Surfing, paddle board, stand up jet ski,Solomon ski, sky diving, the sky is literary the limit but most of all I can walk ,deep knee bend for the first time since I was 19 pain free and yes play with my granddaughter pain free.if you don't have a replacement you only limit your ability's in life.
Melanie

Jan 27, 2012
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What kind of prosthesis? NEW
by: jrags51

Melanie,
The only thing I can say is you must be in great shape. I have yet to take to the ice this season and I'm 54. I'm looking forward to going back to the ice but don't like the feeling of my knee bones floating on top of one another. Please share if you can the type of replacement you had and what type of prosthesis (Manufacturer) that was used. I was told to stay away from Johnson and Johnson because of sub-standard issues.
God Bless and keep shooting!

Jan 27, 2012
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Wow! NEW
by: Heidi

Melanie, Your story is very encouraging to me! It's wonderful you've had such a great recovery and are back in action and even better than before. Do you wear any kind of brace or support now when you play hockey to protect your knees?

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