Predictors of time to return to work following a planned medical event: total knee replacement as an exemplar

Little is known about time to return to work (TRTW) following planned medical events. This study was a secondary analysis (n=94) to determine predictors of time to return to work following a total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. Significant predictors of delayed TRTW following a knee replacement: 1) use of workplace modifications (in 6wks vs 5 wks) and 2) poor physical function (in 7wks vs 6 wks). These findings have large implications for workers undergoing knee replacement, orthopedic clinicians, and occupational health nurses.