Can you ski after knee surgery?

As skiing season approaches, Alex Dodds explores the likelihood of being able to return to the slopes following a knee replacement or ACL reconstruction.

Man Skiing In The Sun

As you might expect, the question of whether you can return to skiing post-knee surgery very much depends on the type of injury you suffered, the quality of your recovery and the sort of skiing you want to return to. For the purposes of this post, we’ll look at two common knee procedures: knee replacement and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. We’ll also assume you’re intending to return to recreational skiing, and that you’re not planning to take part at the next Olympics.

Knee replacement patients and skiing
Your knee replacement will typically have either been a partial (where just one compartment of the knee required resurfacing) or total. Patients with a partial knee replacement are more likely to recover greater function faster than total knee replacement patients.

With a partial knee replacement, it is much more common for patients to reach a point where they effectively forget they ever had a problem with the knee. It is likely you’ll be able to return to skiing at much the same level you were at before you started suffering knee pain. Reaching that point may take six to twelve months.

Things are less certain with a total knee replacement. Patients may be able to return to recreational skiing, but appropriate post op rehabilitation is key.

ACL reconstruction and skiing
Time is the chief issue with an ACL reconstruction. An ACL tear will often occur when making twisting (rotational) movements, which is why so many athletes suffer them as they make rapid changes of direction on the football/rugby/netball pitch or on the ski slopes.

Without treatment, the knee will forever feel as though it’s about to give way beneath you—clearly a major issue for skiing. Reconstruction is about recovering knee stability, and that recovery may be supported by an additional procedure such as a lateral extra articular tenodesis (LET). This seeks to prevent rotation movements and provide further stability for the knee, and it’s an area in which I’ve done significant research. You can find out more about LET here.

Recovery from an ACL reconstruction takes time but, generally speaking, after nine months of following the recovery plan, you should be able to return to full sport, including skiing.

If knee pain is likely to prevent you getting out on the slopes this winter, talk to me on 01242 246549 or book an appointment now.