Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Golf After Orthopaedic Surgery: A Longitudinal Follow-up (GOLF) Study

This study, called the GOLF Study, aims to understand how many people who enjoy golf can get back to playing after having a hip, knee, or shoulder replacement. Researchers will follow these patients over time to find out when they return to golf, if their golfing ability or handicap changes, and how their mobility and general health improve after surgery. It’s a joint effort between hospitals in New York City and Edinburgh. They hope to provide clear information to patients and doctors about what to expect regarding returning to golf after these common operations, helping patients plan their recovery better.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

124

Start

01 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Hip Osteoarthritis Knee Osteoarthritis Shoulder Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

If you play golf and are considering hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery, you might be wondering if, and when, you’ll be able to play again. This study, called the GOLF Study, is designed to answer exactly that question for active golfers like you.

Researchers want to see how many people who had joint replacement surgery can successfully return to playing golf. They will also look at how long it takes to get back on the course, if your golf game changes (like your handicap), and how your overall joint health and well-being improve after the operation. This information will be really helpful for doctors to give you good advice and for you to plan your recovery.

This study is a collaboration between two major hospitals that perform a lot of these surgeries: the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and Edinburgh Orthopaedics in the UK. They will follow patients for up to a year after their surgery to gather all this important information.

Key takeaways

This study is for golfers having hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery.
It aims to find out how many golfers return to the sport and when.
Your medical treatment won't change if you participate.
You'll share information about your golfing and health for one year.
The results will help doctors advise other golfers about surgery recovery.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and already play golf regularly. You also need to be planning to have a hip, knee, or shoulder replacement, or a similar type of joint surgery, at one of the hospitals involved in the study.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you can't complete questionnaires after your surgery, or if you don't actually want to return to golf. Also, if you have other health conditions that would stop you from playing golf, you unfortunately won't be able to take part.

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 older?
Do you play golf regularly?
Are you having hip, knee, or shoulder joint replacement surgery?
Are you having your surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or Hospital for Special Surgery?
Do you want to return to playing golf after your surgery?
Are you able to complete questionnaires after your operation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your medical treatment will be exactly the same as if you weren't in the study. The only difference is that you will be asked to provide some extra information about your golf activities. This will involve filling out questionnaires about your golfing and general health at specific times: 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your surgery. These questionnaires might be completed over the phone or online. The study aims to recruit patients for a year, and your involvement will last for 12 months after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any changes to your surgery or medical care, so there are no additional physical risks from being in the study itself. The main benefit is that your information will help doctors better advise other golfers about what to expect after joint replacement surgery. This will also help future patients manage their expectations and plan their recovery more effectively. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (1)

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

Edinburgh Orthopaedics
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of surgery does this study involve?

This study is for people having hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery, including full replacements, partial replacements, or revisions of previous surgeries.

Do I have to live in Edinburgh or New York to join?

You need to be having your surgery at either the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the UK or the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City to be in this study.

Will my surgery be different if I join the study?

No, your surgery and medical care will be exactly the same whether you're in the study or not. The study only asks for extra information after your operation.

What if I decide I don't want to play golf after my surgery?

If you don't wish to return to golf after your operation, then this study is not for you, as it focuses on golfers who plan to return to the sport.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you join, you'll be asked to provide information for one year after your surgery.