Navigating the Greens After Hip and Knee Surgery
Golf is a sport enjoyed by millions, including a significant portion of the UK's sporting population. With approximately 250,000 arthroplasty (joint replacement) procedures performed annually in the UK, understanding the impact of hip and knee replacements on golfer performance becomes crucial. Despite the increasing prevalence of these procedures, there needs to be more comprehensive studies guiding golfers on what to expect postoperatively. In this blog, we dive into a detailed observational study conducted by Lee Hoggett, Samuel Frankland, John Ranson, Chris Nevill, and Pete Hughes, exploring the effects of lower limb arthroplasty on amateur golfer performance and the expectations for returning to play.
The study, conducted from April 18, 2019, to April 30, 2019, gathered data from 2,198 respondents, including 1,097 hip arthroplasty and 1,101 knee arthroplasty cases. The researchers combined patient surveys with in-app handicap data from the HowDidIDo app, a platform offering free performance statistics for golfers. The objective was to assess the impact of hip and knee arthroplasty on golfers' performance and their ability to return to play.
Their Results
Hip Arthroplasty:
- A total of 1,097 respondents, 80% male, with a mean age of 69.
- Mean increase in handicap: 1.03 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.25).
- Bilateral hip arthroplasty associated with a higher increase in handicap.
- 94% maintained or increased the amount of golf played.
- 23.5% returned to iron shots at six weeks.
- 80% returned to club competitions at six months.
- 1.6% reported persistent pain, and 1.7% could not return to play.
Knee Arthroplasty:
- A total of 1,101 respondents, 83% male, with a mean age of 70.
- Mean increase in handicap: 1.18 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.38).
- Trailing leg arthroplasty associated with a higher postoperative handicap.
- 92% maintained or increased the amount of golf played.
- 25% returned to iron shots at six weeks.
- 76% returned to club competitions at six months.
- 6% reported persistent pain, and 1.6% could not return to play.
In Conclusion
- Hip and knee arthroplasty allow golfers to maintain or increase their playing frequency.
- Return to iron shots is achievable within six weeks.
- An average increase in handicap is expected (+1), with variations.
- Most golfers experience pain relief; however, some may still have pain, particularly after knee arthroplasty.
Arthroplasty enables golfers to enjoy their favorite sport post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of individualized patient education for those undergoing major surgery. Understanding the expected changes in performance and pain levels is crucial for managing postoperative expectations among the golfing community.
Golf Fit - An On-Demand Training Program
If you are a passionate golfer who's undergone hip or knee replacement surgery, then your journey back to the game you love starts here! At PerformanceAbove, we have a specialized, on-demand training program, Golf Fit, tailored to golfers of all levels who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.
Our program is crafted to aid your physical recovery, enhance golf-specific movements, extend your playing years, and elevate your performance on the golf course. Reclaim your love for the game and swing back into action with confidence.
Discover how Golf Fit can help you regain your strength, flexibility, and stamina, ensuring that your golfing journey is back on track and better than ever.
Not all exercises are for everyone. Before attempting a new exercise, take into account factors such as flexibility, strength, and overall health to determine whether a particular exercise is appropriate for you.
This, like any other exercise, can result in personal injury. Any injury sustained from proper or improper use of this exercise is solely the responsibility of the exerciser. Performanceabove LLC disclaims any liability from injury sustained from the use of this exercise and suggests that you consult your professional healthcare provider before attempting any exercise or exercise program.
