English translation of the article (chatGPT):

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Each year, 165,000 hip prostheses are implanted in France, mainly to relieve disabling osteoarthritis, and in 30% of cases to treat a fracture of the femoral neck. These prostheses are being implanted in an increasingly younger and more active population. The question of returning to sports activity therefore arises, especially since physical activity is strongly recommended for health.

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Main article

Running has often been discouraged after hip replacement surgery. However, scientific knowledge is evolving. For example, it was long believed that running was traumatic for the joints and a cause of early osteoarthritis. We now know that, on the contrary, this activity is actually protective for the joints (it delays the need for a hip — or knee — prosthesis).

It is therefore becoming increasingly common to run with a hip prosthesis, including over long distances and even on uneven terrain such as in trail running. According to a 2023 study, more than 70% of runners return to running after hip replacement surgery. The usual time frame for resuming running is between 12 and 16 weeks after the operation.

Although there are still few long-term studies, individual cases are encouraging. For example, at the age of 81, 35 years after receiving a ceramic hip prosthesis, one athlete had run 33,000 km, swum 3,738 km, cycled 106,778 km, and walked at least 41,000 km with his prosthesis without any problems. Testimonials from runners with hip prostheses are numerous (see opposite).

ARE THERE RISKS IN RUNNING WITH A HIP PROSTHESIS?

Short-term complications of hip prostheses include infection, phlebitis, and dislocation. In the long term, loosening of the prosthesis and the risk of premature wear are the main concerns for surgeons. Loosening manifests as pain and a feeling of instability. These risks are what lead surgeons to discourage running and high-impact sports.

The good news is that newer materials are more durable. In addition, surgical approaches are becoming less and less invasive.

Exercising and running appear to be beneficial. The need for revision surgery within two years is lower in more active individuals (especially those who run regularly). Conversely, complications (dislocation and loosening) are less frequent in active patients (probably due to better proprioception and muscle quality). As for trail running, the available results (although still limited) are encouraging.

STAYING ACTIVE AND RUNNING REMAIN BENEFICIAL

We know that physical activity is essential for health and healthy aging. The period of reduced activity following surgery can already have negative effects on health. Fortunately, rehabilitation itself is a form of physical activity and represents a first step toward returning to sport.

Moreover, exercising and running help reduce risk factors associated with complications after hip replacement. Physical activity limits the risk of being overweight and improves muscle quality (strength and neuromuscular control), thereby reducing the risk of falls and fractures involving the prosthesis.

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OLIVIER BLACQUE

A double hip replacement to run again like before

By Simon Chrétien

An athlete all his life, Olivier Blacque, a French national who has lived in Zurich for over 20 years, underwent surgery on both hips and now lives with two prostheses. At 54, he hopes to regain his pre-operation level.

“I’ve always had minor injuries, but generally after a winter break, everything would go perfectly and my January or February comeback went well. But in July 2020, at the age of 49, I went to see a sports clinic in Zurich. I was diagnosed with dysplasia, which is actually a congenital malformation. The cartilage in my hip was wearing out faster.”

Doctors then mentioned the possibility of hip replacement surgery. “I felt it could wait a bit longer, and I preferred to wait.” Olivier then went through conservative treatments: plasma injections, PRP, cortisone, osteopathy sessions, physiotherapy… but nothing helped. The pain was even affecting his daily life and made walking difficult. “These were pains that could be triggered suddenly. I felt it radiating into my buttock and down my leg.”

In 2022, he decided to take the step. He had his right hip replaced in July 2022, followed by the left hip in February 2023.

THE COMEBACK

Three weeks after the first operation, Olivier Blacque resumed cycling on a home trainer.

“I went back to running three months later with a precise program: 30 seconds of running, 2 minutes of walking. The most important thing after surgery is to walk as much as possible.”

If the hip pain disappears, Olivier notices that other injuries begin to appear.

“I went through a series of muscle injuries. I realized that my entire rehabilitation had focused on the hips, and I had neglected my calves, thighs and back… The result: for more than a year, I struggled to regain a decent level because my preparation had been disrupted by injuries.”

“It was quite long because of that, but as far as my hips were concerned, everything was fine!”

He completed his first post-operative semi-marathon in April 2025, then followed it up in October with a time of 1:33 at the Lausanne half-marathon.

“It’s almost the same level I had ten years ago!”

His advice

“Take it very easy. You need to take your time and not hesitate to start again by alternating walking and running. Move as soon as possible, but take the time to do proper rehabilitation. I lost a bit of speed, and I wouldn’t go back to high-intensity trail running, but otherwise, these prostheses saved my life.”

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Olivier Blacque is a French recreational runner based in Switzerland, known online as ob71_hiprunner.

At 54, he runs with bilateral total hip replacement since 2023 and still competes in long-distance running from 10 km to half marathon distance focusing on smart, efficient and sustainable training.

After several challenging years after the operations, 2025 turned out to be a rewarding year, highlighted by three half marathons completed at a satisfying pace. He is now aiming to go further and run a half marathon in under 1h30 in 2026 and a full marathon in 2027.

Olivier: “My journey also aims to give hope to athletes facing hip-related challenges. Through my experience running with bilateral hip replacements, I hope to demonstrate that hip problems do not necessarily mark the end of an athletic journey, but can instead be the beginning of a smarter and more sustainable one.”

👉 Journey to Hip Replacements and Return to Running

2015–2020

First signs of hip discomfort while running, mainly on the right side. Occasional pain and stiffness, initially manageable with reduced training volume and longer recovery periods.

2020

Pain suddenly becomes persistent. Medical consultations confirm progressive degeneration of the right hip.

2020–2022

Multiple conservative treatments are attempted (physiotherapy, strength training, PRP therapy, corticosteroid injections). These provide temporary relief, but running becomes increasingly limited.

2022

Daily activities are significantly impacted. Walking is no longer possible without pain.