The Effect of Total Knee Replacement on Employment in Patients Under 60 Years of Age

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The effect of primary total knee replacement on the employment status of 56 patients under 60 years of age was examined at a mean follow-up of 64 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 56 primary total knee replacements performed on patients under the age of 60 years by two surgeons between 1996 and 2003 were retrospectively assessed by postal questionnaire. Patients were selected from databases held at Holly House and Newham Hospital NHS Trust. RESULTS Overall, 97.5% of patients who were employed before their operation, returned to their previous work. However, in patients not working prior to total knee replacement none were employed after their operation. CONCLUSIONS Total knee replacement may be a valuable tool to help some patients to continue working but may not affect patients who are already unemployed.