Golfing after Orthopaedic Surgery: A longitudinal follow-up (GOLF) study protocol

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Arthroplasty (hip, knee, ankle, shoulder) is increasingly common in active populations.
• Golfers undergoing joint replacement surgery face unique questions about returning to sport.
• Data on return-to-sport rates and outcomes after lower and upper limb arthroplasty is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the rate and timing of return to golf after hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder arthroplasty.
• To assess changes in golf ability, handicap, mobility, and patient-reported outcomes post-surgery.
• To provide data for managing patient expectations regarding postoperative recovery and return to golf.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study design.
• Inclusion of active golfers undergoing hip, knee, ankle, or shoulder arthroplasty.
• Collection of patient-reported outcome measures at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Data on return-to-golf rates following various arthroplasties will be presented.
• Analysis of factors influencing return to golf and changes in performance metrics.
• Assessment of joint-specific and health-related quality of life outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The study will offer valuable insights into the likelihood and timing of returning to golf after arthroplasty.
• Findings will aid clinicians in counseling patients about postoperative expectations and recovery.
• Results will support personalized rehabilitation strategies for golfers returning to sport.