Research Plus

RTW after knee and hip replacement

While knee and hip arthroplasties are more common among older people, occupational relevance is likely to increase as the working population ages. A systematic review identified only three papers that examined factors preventing or promoting return to work (RTW) following such surgery, although 25 papers included information on working status. Two-incision surgery promotes faster RTW than the mini-posterior incision technique, while restricting patient movement in the six weeks after surgery prolongs it. Patient discharge guidelines have no effect on RTW times.

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2009; online first: doi 10.1007/s10926–009–9192–1. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10926-009-9192-1

Tags evidence based practice Return to work

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2009 (vol. 06/3) pp39