RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Return to Golf After Orthopaedic Surgery

The GOLF study is investigating how many people who play golf are able to return to the sport after undergoing hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery. Instead of looking back at past records, this study will follow golfers from before their surgery and track their progress for a year afterwards. Researchers will check in with participants at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery to see if they've returned to golf and at what level. The aim is to get a clearer picture of what it's like for golfers to get back into their game after these important operations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Enrolment target

432

Start

09 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Hip Osteoarthritis Knee Osteoarthritis Shoulder Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

This research, called the GOLF study, is designed to understand how golfers recover and get back to playing after having a joint replacement in their hip, knee, or shoulder. Many people enjoy golf, and for some, an injury or arthritis can make it difficult. Joint replacement surgery can help relieve pain and improve movement, but it's not always clear how soon or how well people can return to specific activities like golf.

Previous studies on this topic often looked back at patients' medical notes or memories, which can sometimes miss important details. What makes this study different and very useful is that it will follow people from before their surgery onwards. This 'prospective' approach means researchers can gather information directly from participants as they go through their recovery, giving a much clearer and more accurate picture of the journey back to golf.

The findings from this study could be very helpful for both patients and healthcare professionals. Knowing more about the typical return to golf after these surgeries can help doctors and physiotherapists give better advice. It can also help patients set realistic expectations and feel more confident about their recovery and their ability to enjoy their favourite sport again.

Key takeaways

It's about golfers getting back to playing after joint surgery.
Covers hip, knee, and shoulder replacements.
Participants are followed for one year after surgery.
Helps understand recovery and return to sport for future patients.
Only involves filling out questionnaires, no new treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who consider themselves a golfer. You would need to be scheduled for a hip, knee, or shoulder joint replacement, and crucially, want to return to golf after your operation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Do you play golf?
Are you scheduled for hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery?
Do you hope to play golf again after your surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the GOLF study, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires at various points after your surgery. There are no new medications or extra doctor's visits involved beyond your usual care. You'll complete these questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your operation. The total duration of your participation in the study will be one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study primarily involves sharing information about your recovery and golf activities, which may take some of your time. There are no direct medical risks as the study doesn't involve new treatments. The main benefit is helping to improve understanding for future patients and healthcare providers about returning to golf after joint replacement surgery. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hospital for Special Surgery
Verified postcode
New York, United States· Recruiting
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the study trying to find out?

It wants to see how many people who play golf are able to return to the sport after having hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery.

Do I need to be a professional golfer to take part?

No, you just need to consider yourself a golfer and wish to return to playing after your surgery.

Will this study affect my surgery or recovery?

No, it won't change your surgery or your usual recovery care. You'll just be asked to provide information at different times.

What if I can't return to golf?

That's perfectly fine. The study is about understanding the reality of returning to golf, whether people do or not.

Who is running this study?

It's a multi-centre study, meaning it's being conducted at several different hospitals or clinics.

How to find out more

Andrew Creighton, DO

creightona@hss.edu 646-344-4340 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.