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- Talk
- 22/09/2022
- UK
How Does Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Affect Golfer Performance and What Should Be Expected Regarding Post-Operative Return to Play?
Description
In this presentation, Lee Hoggett, an ST6 registrar from the North West, discusses a project that evaluates the impact of hip and knee replacement surgeries on golfers' performance, particularly focusing on their handicaps. The study arose from collaboration with shoulder consultants and medical students, leveraging support from the HowDidiDo? platform which provided handicap data from golfers. Previous literature suggested that golfers could return to the game after these surgeries, but lacked substantial data, inspiring the need for this larger study.
The project sought to assess when golfers return to play post-surgery, how often they play compared to before their operations, and the changes in their handicap scores. A retrospective observational study was conducted where a questionnaire gathered responses during the Royal and Ancient Golf Health Week, particularly from players who had undergone hip or knee replacements.
The findings indicate that most golfers return to play within three months, with some as early as six weeks post-surgery. The data reveals that approximately 94% of respondents played the same amount or more after the surgery, and most reported minimal pain during play. In terms of performance, the study found that hip replacements generally led to a slight increase in handicap scores. In contrast, patients with knee replacements experienced greater challenges, especially those with trailing leg replacements, due to the increased rotational demands during the golf swing.
Lee emphasizes the study's significance as one of the largest in this area, though he acknowledges limitations such as the lack of specific data on the types of surgeries performed. The study concludes that joint replacement surgeries allow golfers to continue enjoying the sport effectively, with little pain, allowing for a positive return to golf activities.