Return to Golf after corrective surgery in adult spinal deformity patients with long fusion constructs: A retrospective case series.

Abstract

Purpose: Golf is a popular sport that requires truncal strength and spinal flexibility. Spinal fusion surgery limits range of motion which may impact a golfer's ability to return to golf (RTG). The purpose of this study is to report clinical outcomes and return to golf following long-construct spinal fusion surgery.

Methods: Patients fused from the pelvis to T10 or higher were screened for golfing participation between November 2023 - April 2024. Inclusion criteria included: ≥18 years old, >2 year minimum follow-up, active golfers. Visual analogue scale (VAS) back pain level, self-perceived golf ability, golf handicap score, average days golfing per year, pain while golfing, preoperative and postoperative physical rehabilitation information, and associated regret of undergoing surgery was collected. Predictive factors for ability to RTG were evaluated.

Results: 12 golfers from 2015-2023 were included (age 61.1±10.0 years, BMI 23.4±4.0 kg/m², female composition 66.7%, follow-up 5.8±1.9 years). 75.0% (n=9) patients RTG at an average of 1.4±0.6 years after surgery. Patients who RTG maintained or improved their performance in the following metrics: 88.9% (n=8) in self-assessed golf ability, 40.0% (n=2) in golf handicap score, 66.7% (n=6) in average number of days golfing per year, and 100.0% (n=9) in pain while golfing. Pain scores improved from baseline to FFU: VAS (7.8±2.2 vs 1.3±1.4; p<0.01), SRS-22r (68.0±12.8 vs 92.0±15.0; p<0.01), ODI (35.3±18.1 vs 8.0±7.9; p<0.01).

Conclusion: This was the largest and most in-depth case series pertaining to return to golf following corrective spinal deformity surgery. 75% of golfers returned to golf after long-construct fusion to pelvis, and the majority reported similar or improved performance. Mean pain and quality of life scores improved significantly for the whole group. Adult spinal deformity patients that play golf can expect equal or improved performance following corrective spine surgery.