High Return-to-Golf Rates and Satisfaction After Shoulder Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study

Background and objective Golf is a popular recreational activity among older adults, many of whom develop shoulder pathology requiring surgical intervention. Despite increasing interest in return-to-sport outcomes, comparative data on return to golf following shoulder arthroscopy versus shoulder arthroplasty remain limited. This study aims to compare return-to-golf outcomes, patient satisfaction, and functional recovery between patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy and those undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. This is a retrospective cohort study and represents level III evidence. Methods A retrospective comparative study was performed on 71 recreational golfers, including 46 (64.8%) who underwent arthroscopy and 25 (35.2%) who underwent arthroplasty. Pre- and postoperative assessments included range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The PROMs included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS), and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Golf-specific outcomes included return timelines, satisfaction, and performance. Paired t-tests assessed within-group changes, and independent t-tests evaluated between-group differences. Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in ASES, VAS, and SSV scores (all p < 0.001). Forward flexion and external rotation improved more in the arthroplasty group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030), while internal rotation did not significantly improve in either group. The mean time to resume putting, chipping, and driving was 5.8 ± 3.1 months, 6.2 ± 3.0 months, and 7.4 ± 2.9 months, respectively, with no significant differences between groups (putting, p = 0.890; chipping, p = 0.894; driving, p = 0.990). At 12 months, 57 of 71 patients (80.3%) had returned to golf (p = 0.970), and 65 of 71 patients (91.5%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusion Recreational golfers undergoing either shoulder arthroscopy or arthroplasty experience significant functional improvements and high return-to-golf rates. Surgical technique was not associated with differences in return timelines, satisfaction, or golf-specific performance. These findings may guide patient expectations and support shared decision-making in surgical planning.