Massive New Arthroplasty Research Opportunity Available

Despite the fact that more than 25 million people play golf in the United States—which is 1 person out of 8. And even though golfing inflicts unique stresses on joints, there is a shocking lack of prospective data on demographic, surgical and golf-specific outcomes after arthroplasty, according to a new study.

For an up-and-coming researcher in orthopedics, this is an opportunity.

Based on what data IS available, researchers have found evidence that golfers return to the sport at a fairly high rate following hip arthroplasty surgery.

The study, “Rate and Timing of Return to Golf After Hip, Knee, or Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” was published online on January 12, 2022 in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.

“The physical and mental health benefits of golf are well recognized, and as a moderate-intensity activity, it is an ideal sport for patients after joint arthroplasty,” the researchers wrote.

In their study, they sought to assess the rate and timing of returning to golf and the factors associated with these after hip, knee, or shoulder arthroplasty.

They identified articles to analyze using PubMed and Medline. The criterion for inclusion was any published research article studying return to golf after arthroplasty. A total of 23 studies were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients was 66.8 years (SD, 3.37).

Four of the studies reported on hip arthroplasty, 6 on knee arthroplasty and 13 on shoulder arthroplasty.

Among 13 studies, the mean rate of returning to golf was 80% (95% CI, 70%-89.9%. hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty had mean return rates of 90% (95% CI, 82%-98%), 70% (95% CI, 39%-100%) and 80% (95% CI, 68%-92%), respectively.

Among 9 studies, the mean time to return to golf was 4.4 months (95% CI, 3.2-6). In addition, there was no change in handicap reported in 8 studies (35%) with a mean change of −0.1 (95% CI, –2.4 to +2.2).

None of the studies presented factors associated with return to golf, the researchers said.

“This is the first meta-analysis of returning to golf after joint arthroplasty. The study reports a high rate of returning to golf, which was greatest after hip arthroplasty. However, the study highlights the paucity of prospective data on demographic, surgical, and golf-specific outcomes after arthroplasty. Future prospective studies are required to eliminate response bias and accurately capture golf and patient-specific outcomes.

The study authors include Patrick G. Robinson, MBChB, MSc(Res) of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Tom R. Williamson, MBChB of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Andrew P. Creighton, D.O. of the Hospital for Special Surgery, Jennifer Cheng, Ph.D. of the Hospital for Surgery, Andrew D. Murray, MBChB of the University of Edinburgh, Heidi Prather, D.O. of the Hospital for Special Surgery, Joshua S. Dines, M.D., of the Hospital for Special Surgery, Lawrence V. Gulotta, M.D. of Hospital for Special Surgery, Edwin P. Su, M.D., of Hospital for Special Surgery, Joel M. Press, M.D., of Hospital for Special Surgery, Roger Hawkes, MBChB of University of College London, and Nick D. Clement, MBChB, Ph.D. of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.