Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various hip conditions, including femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). If you love golfing and are considering hip arthroscopy, you might be concerned about how long it will take before you can return to the course. This article reviews current literature to help set realistic expectations for your recovery and return to golf.

Understanding Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the hip joint. This allows surgeons to view the joint and repair any damage with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. Common conditions treated with hip arthroscopy include FAI, labral tears, and cartilage damage.

Recovery Timeline and Return to Golf

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to provide data on the return‐to‐play timeline for golfers undergoing hip arthroscopy. The review included studies that met specific criteria, such as being in English, having Level 1 to 4 evidence, and including return‐to‐play data for golfers.

• Study Selection: Four studies out of 400 met the criteria and were included in the review.


• Participants: 95 golfers were studied, with 90 (94.7%) successfully returning to golf post‐surgery.

Key Findings

• High Return‐to‐Play Rate: The review found that nearly 95% of golfers returned to the sport after undergoing hip arthroscopy.


• Return Timeline: Professional golfers had a mean return time of 4.7 months, while amateur golfers took about 7.2 months to return to play.


• Improved Performance: Both subjective and objective outcome scores improved after surgery, with patients reporting increased average drive distances.

Factors Influencing Recovery

Several factors can influence the recovery timeline and success rate after hip arthroscopy:

• Severity of the Condition: More severe hip pathology may require a longer recovery period.


• Type of Arthroscopic Procedure: The specific procedures performed during surgery can affect recovery time.


• Rehabilitation Protocol: Adhering to a structured rehabilitation program is crucial for a successful return to golf.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

A comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for a successful recovery. This typically includes:

• Phase 1: Immediate Post‐Surgery (0‐6 weeks): Focus on pain management, reducing swelling, and gentle range‐of‐motion exercises.


• Phase 2: Early Rehabilitation (6‐12 weeks): Gradual introduction of strengthening exercises, particularly for the core and hip muscles.


• Phase 3: Advanced Rehabilitation (3‐6 months): More intensive strength training, balance exercises, and sport‐specific drills.


• Phase 4: Return to Play (6 months+): Gradual reintroduction to golf, starting with putting and chipping, progressing to full swings as tolerated.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It's important to set realistic expectations for your recovery and return to golf. While the majority of golfers successfully return to play within 4.7 to 7.2 months, individual recovery times may vary. Factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols can influence outcomes.

Conclusion

Returning to golf after hip arthroscopy is highly probable, with nearly 95% of patients resuming the sport. Most golfers can expect to return to the course within 4.7 to 7.2 months, with improved performance and reduced pain. A structured rehabilitation program and realistic expectations are key to a successful recovery.

Would You Like To Learn More About How We Can Help?

If you have questions about how we can help you return to golf after hip arthroscopy, please contact us. Our team of experienced therapists is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our personalized rehabilitation programs.

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