Return to Golf Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Shoulder arthroplasty is increasingly performed for advanced shoulder osteoarthritis.
• Return to golf and changes in performance post-surgery are key concerns for active patients.
• Differences in outcomes between total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate return to golf and performance changes after shoulder arthroplasty.
• To compare outcomes between TSA and RTSA in golfers.
• To assess changes in golf swing pain following shoulder arthroplasty.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (CPT code 23472).
• Online survey assessing pre- and post-operative golf performance, pain, and enjoyment.
• Comparative analysis of TSA versus RTSA groups.

Main Results:

• 74% of responding patients returned to golf after shoulder arthroplasty.
• Significant reduction in golf swing pain reported for both TSA and RTSA.
• RTSA group experienced a significant decrease in driving distance post-surgery compared to TSA.

Conclusions:

• TSA is effective for pain reduction during the golf swing in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis.
• While TSA does not significantly alter golf performance, RTSA may lead to reduced driving distances.
• Patients generally report satisfaction with shoulder arthroplasty and their return to golf.