Return to Work After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Predictive Model

Returning to work after surgery is a primary concern of patients who are contemplating total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The ability to return to work has enormous influence on the patient's independence, financial well-being, and daily activities. The goal of this study was to determine the independent patient variables that predict return to work as well as to create a predictive model. From June 2017 to December 2017, a total of 391 patients who underwent primary TJA (243 hips, 148 knees) were prospectively enrolled in the study to obtain information on return to work after surgery. Patients were sent a series of questions in a biweekly survey. Information was collected on the physical demands of their occupation, the number of hours spent standing, the limitations to return to work, and the use of assistive devices. Bivariate analysis was performed, and a multiple linear regression model was created. Most (89.6%) patients returned to work within 12 weeks of surgery. Patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty returned to work earlier than those who underwent total knee arthroplasty (5.56 vs 7.79 weeks, respectively). Analysis showed the following independent predictors for faster return to work: self-employment, availability of light-duty work, male sex, and higher income. Predictors for slower return to work included a physically demanding occupation (at least 50% physical duties), knee arthroplasty, longer length of stay, and a job requiring more hours spent standing. This model reported an adjusted R² of 0.332. The findings provide an objective predictive model of the patient- and procedure-specific characteristics that affect postoperative return to work. Surgeons should consider these factors when counseling patients on their postoperative expectations. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(5):e415-e420.].