Though much research focuses on low back injury prevention in golfers ( 16, 17), which includes swing modification, muscle conditioning, and flexibility training, few discuss the need for surgery. Due to the unnatural strains placed on the low back during a violent golf swing, authors have analogized golf to a “contact sport” given the high risk of spine injury ( 13- 15). Moreover, low handicap golfers have been shown to generate more torque throughout their swing than medium or high-handicap golfers ( 12). Authors have also suggested that golf may predispose athletes to spinal injury, as lumbar spine ailments are the most common injury incurred in golfers, making up to 22–34% of all golfing injuries ( 11). Prior studies have shown that degenerative spine conditions can significantly hinder golf frequency and performance ( 9, 10). Golf is an excellent source of physical activity for older people and has been linked to improved cardiovascular health that likely comes from walking the course ( 8). Older individuals ≥65 years also play golf 3-times more often than younger individuals aged 18–34 years, likely a byproduct of retirement ( 7). Golf is a recreational sport enjoyed by many older individuals, with 34.2 million Americans playing golf in 2019, of which 5.3 million were ≥65 years ( 7). Understanding how degenerative and deformity spine conditions, along with associated surgical intervention, impacts quality of life in an elderly population can be of benefit to surgeons and patients. ![]() A similar uptick in spinal deformity surgery has been seen, with a 3.4-fold increase in patients ≥60 years from 2004 to 2011 ( 6). From 1988 to 2012, rates of spine surgery have increased 4-fold, with higher rates in patients ≥70 years ( 5). Quality of life associated with degenerative spine conditions is analogous to living with brain tumors and/or cancer ( 3), and those suffering spinal deformity have a quality of life similar to patients with blindness, emphysema, renal failure, and stroke ( 4). Cervical and lumbar degeneration with concomitant neck and back pain affect approximately 60% of adults in their sixth decade of life ( 1, 2). Degenerative spine disease is a common ailment among older adults, negatively affecting quality of life and the ability to enjoy hobbies.
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