Shoulder Replacement Patients Can Return to Golf and Racket Sports
Two studies presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting (March 2023) found that people who had either anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement could return to playing golf or racket sports with improved function. With anatomic shoulder replacement, the ball and socket parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with an implant. With reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are replaced, but the implants are reversed. One study included 69 recreational golfers who underwent one of the two types of shoulder replacement. Time to return to play was similar: 49% of those who had anatomic replacement were playing within six months and 85% within one year, compared with 59% and 91% of those with reverse replacement, respectively. Golf performance improved or stayed the same for 82% of all patients, with 91% reporting increased enjoyment of the game.
