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Total Joint Arthroplasty and Golf Play: Analysis of Regional Golf Handicap Database
Jacob D Gorbaty1, Allison J Rao, Dax T Varkey
1From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery Carolinas Medical Center (Dr. Gorbaty), the Sports Medicine Center, OrthoCarolina (Dr. Gorbaty, Dr. Rao, Dr. Saltzman, and Dr. Hamid), Charlotte, NC, the Murphy Wainer Orthopedic Specialists, Greensboro, NC (Dr. Varkey), and the OrthoCarolina Research Institute, Charlotte, NC (Dr. Muña).
Background:
As the numbers of senior golfers increase, many will consider a hip or knee joint replacement (JR) over their lifetime. The relationship of JR to the rate of return and validated level of play has not been well defined.
Methods:
A regional golf association's membership was mailed a questionnaire regarding their JR. Members with valid Golf Handicap Information Network numbers and with at least five pre- and post-JR scores were included. Prospectively collected rounds of play and handicap differentials were used for the analysis.
Results:
Two hundred fifty-one members reported having a JR, with 120 qualifying for the analysis. The sites of JR include 50 hips (41.7%) and 70 kness (58.3%). Plays per month after the first JR increased from 5.2 to 5.6 (P = 0.017). Handicap differentials increased from an average of 15.8 to 17.3 (P < 0.0001). Average return to play was 62 days. Twenty-eight players who had a second JR saw an increase in plays per month from 4.2 to 6.3 (P = 0.0074) and an increase in handicap differentials from 19.3 to 20.2 (P = 0.0036).
Conclusions:
After the initial JR, amateur golfers will likely play more frequently; however, the level of play will typically decrease slightly. The same effects are seen after a subsequent JR.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV: retrospective, cross-sectional review.
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