Factors influencing return to work after hip and knee replacement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Return to employment is a primary goal for working-age individuals undergoing hip and knee replacement.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing return to work post-joint replacement surgery.
• Patient and employer perspectives on return to work are largely unknown.

Observation:

• A systematic review analyzed studies published between 1987 and 2013 from Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO.
• The review focused on identifying factors that impact employment outcomes after hip and knee replacement.
• Both original articles and existing reviews were included in the analysis.

Findings:

• Key determinants for return to work include patient age, pre-surgery motivation, and the nature of their employment.
• The type of job significantly influences an individual's ability to return to work post-surgery.
• Patient-specific factors and job characteristics are crucial for successful employment reintegration.

Implications:

• Further qualitative research is essential to deeply understand the mechanisms by which these factors affect employment.
• Identifying and addressing these influencing factors can improve return-to-work strategies for patients.
• This knowledge can guide healthcare providers and employers in supporting successful employment outcomes after joint replacement.