Return to Golf After Elective Orthopaedic Surgery: A Literature Review.

Abstract

The sport of golf is recognized as a lifelong activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages, and part of its popularity with the aging population is due to its low impact nature. It has been shown to provide many mental and physical health benefits. With increasing participation, surgeons will encounter patients looking to return to sport after elective orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of elective orthopaedic surgery on a patient's ability to return to golf. Total hip arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy, total knee arthroplasty total ankle arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty all have a return-to-play rate above 85% with slightly lower return-to-play rates for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, and lumbar spinefusion. This review will elucidate how elective orthopaedic surgery on the primary joints affects individual return to play, the timeline of recovery, and how best to advise future patients on the recovery process.