The Particulars: Previous studies have indicated that success rates with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are high. However, data is limited on patients returning to work after TKA.
Data Breakdown: A multicenter study of TKA patients aged 18 to 60 found that 91.1% of patients returned to work after surgery. Of these patients, 93.3% returned to their previous job. Men were significantly more likely to return to work than women. Return to work rates by labor category were sedentary (92.3%), light (79.2%), medium (89.0%), heavy (87.8%), and very heavy (78.2%).
Take Home Pearl: Most young, active patients who undergo TKA appear to return to work at their usual occupation following the procedure, even those categorized as having very heavy labor.
