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Return to work after lumbar disc herniation surgery: an occupational cohort study
Raul Laasik1, Petteri Lankinen2,3, Mika Kivimäki4,5,6
1Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
Acta Orthopaedica
|July 16, 2021
Summary
Most employees return to work within 78 days after lumbar disc herniation surgery. Factors like older age, manual labor, and prior sick leave predict delayed return to work (RTW).
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Lumbar disc herniation is a prevalent condition affecting the working-age population.
- Surgical intervention is common, yet factors influencing return to work (RTW) require further clarification.
- Previous research on RTW predictors has yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate health-related risk factors associated with RTW after lumbar disc herniation surgery.
- To identify predictors of delayed or accelerated return to work in an employee cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 389 employees undergoing lumbar disc herniation excision was analyzed.
- Data on occupation, prior health, and health behaviors were collected from national registers and surveys.
- Cox proportional hazard models (univariable and multivariable) were used to assess RTW likelihood.
Main Results:
- 95% of patients returned to work within 12 months, with an average absence of 78 days.
- Faster RTW was linked to fewer pre-operative sick days (<30), higher occupational status, and younger age (<40).
- No significant association was found between RTW and sex, obesity, inactivity, smoking, alcohol, self-rated health, distress, comorbidities, or medication use.
Conclusions:
- Nearly all employees successfully returned to work post-surgery for lumbar disc herniation.
- Older age, manual labor occupations, and extended pre-operative sick leave are identified as risk factors for delayed RTW.
