Return to duty and deployment after major joint arthroplasty

With an increasing incidence, individuals are undergoing total joint arthroplasty at a younger age. This study evaluated the likelihood of return to duty and deployment to the combat zone after major joint arthroplasty and their relationship to functional outcome. Retrospectively, service members having undergone major joint arthroplasty completed the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and a deployment specific questionnaire; 93.3% (n=42/45) follow-up was achieved with the average time from surgery being 4 1/2 years. Eighty-six percent of patients returned to duty. Of those, at least 70% were able to deploy to the combat zone and all were able to complete a full tour as assigned. No statistical significance was seen between those that deployed and those that did not in both the bothersome index and functional assessment scores. Total joint arthroplasty presents an effective intervention when appropriately indicated in a young active population seeking the ability to continue a military career.