Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the function, limitations and disability of a large cohort of active golfers following total knee replacement (TKR). The study group comprised the membership of the New Knee Golf Society (NKGS) and 211 members were reviewed with a questionnaire which asked the patient’s experience & difficulties of playing golf before and after TKR.
The functional outcome was recorded using the Oxford knee score. A total of 299 knees (TKR only) in 209 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 70 years. Majority of the prostheses were cemented (95%) and had patellar resurfacing (90%). The mean post-operative period was 5 years. We found 196 patients (94%) returned to playing golf after a mean of 4.6 months following the TKR; 184 (88%) continue to play at review; 93% claimed significant improvement in their capability to play golf following TKR. However, none claimed to have achieved a significant improvement in their handicap.
Seventeen knees (5.7%) underwent revision surgery. Six knees (2%) were revised for infection at mean 17.3 months and eleven (3.7%) for aseptic loosening or instability at mean 5 years. Seven left knees (lead knee) of eleven right-handed golfers required revision for aseptic loosening. Varus collapse of the tibial component in the lead knee was observed.
The main problems experienced after playing 18 holes were knee stiffness (47%) and swelling (18%). Oxford Knee Scores: 69% excellent; 27% moderate functional impairment; 4% poor outcomes.
Although the capability to play improved the handicap remained the same. We found that the left TKR in a right-handed active golfer is more likely to require revision, which may be due to the increased torque on the lead knee.
Correspondence should be addressed to Editorial Secretary Mr ML Costa or Assistant Editorial Secretary Mr B.J. Ollivere at BOA, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England; Email: mattcosta@hotmail.com or ben@ollivere.co.uk
