Return to work following revision knee arthroplasty in patients under 65 years of age: A retrospective study

Little is known about employment following revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). This study aims to describe factors associated with returning to employment in patients of working age who underwent RTKA surgery.

We performed a retrospective assessment of all patients aged ≤65 who underwent RTKA at our NHS institution between 2006 and 2020. All indications and revision procedures were included. Pre-operative demographics, indication for surgery and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were recorded. Postal questionnaires were sent to patients including patient reported outcome measures and a departmental questionnaire asking patients about employment status pre- and post-operatively.

132 procedures were performed in 113 patients. Median follow up was 5.5 years (2.4-9.0). Mean age was 58 (5.8) and 50% (57) were men. 62 patients undergoing 74 procedures responded to postal questionnaires and were included in the study. 53% (33) were employed prior to surgery and 61% (38) returned to work at a median of 12 weeks (3-150). Of the 24 who did not return to work, 7 reported intending to return to work. Those patients who returned to work had increased pre-operative OKS (16.9 vs 13.6) and mean improvement (16.5 vs 12.4).

This study is limited by small numbers and its observational nature. In this population the majority of patients who wished to return to work after RTKA were able to do so. This provides some reassurance when counselling patients. Prospective studies to better understand the factors that predict return to work will be important with increasing demands from surgery.