The effect of total hip arthroplasty on employment

This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of total hip arthroplasty on a patient's work ability. Fifty-four patients who were in the workforce completed a questionnaire 1 year after total hip arthroplasty. Thirty-eight (86%) of 44 patients working preoperatively were working 1 year after surgery, whereas only 2 (20%) of 10 patients who were not working preoperatively resumed work. Those who resumed work were younger and reported better Oxford-12 and physical function scores. Patients who resumed working had improvements in their ability to meet workplace physical demands and in productivity. Total hip arthroplasty has positive effects on work capacity in patients who return to work. To help patients remain in the workforce, surgery should be undertaken before a patient's hip dysfunction forces them off work.