Return to Work Following Novel Lumbar Total Joint Replacement

Retrospective study.

Lumbar fusion surgery, while effective in certain cases, carries with it the risk of subsequent reoperation as well as functional limitations. Lumbar total joint replacement (TJR) has emerged as a potential alternative, to address many degenerative pathologies while preserving motion. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data evaluates the return-to-work (RTW) outcomes of patients undergoing lumbar TJR and measures the impact of various factors on the time to RTW.

A cohort of 56 patients who underwent lumbar TJR between 2017 and 2020 completed patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and occupation data was isolated.

Of which, 16 were retired and 8 were unemployed preoperatively, 32 were included in this study. PROs, including the Oswestry disability index (ODI), were collected preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Work intensity, age, number of levels treated, and other demographic variables were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to assess their influence on time to RTW. Generalized linear regression modeling and time-to-event analyses were conducted to compare the impact of ODI at different timepoints on the time to RTW.

All evaluable patients (100%) were able to return-to-work within 6 months of lumbar TJR surgery, with 96.9% achieving RTW by 3 months. Lower ODI scores (15-17) at 3 and 6 months were associated with shorter time to RTW, emphasizing the importance of preoperative functional status. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant variations in RTW probabilities based on mean ODI scores at 3 and 6 months postsurgery.

Despite limitations, this study highlights the potential of lumbar TJR to facilitate timely RTW and improve functional outcomes in patients with lumbar degenerative conditions. Further research, including larger multicenter studies, is warranted to validate these findings and enhance our understanding of the safety and efficacy of lumbar TJR.