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Review
. 2012 Jun:102:79-88.
doi: 10.1093/bmb/lds011. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

The older worker with osteoarthritis of the knee

Keith T Palmer  1
Affiliations
Review

The older worker with osteoarthritis of the knee

Keith T Palmer. Br Med Bull. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Changing demographics mean that many patients with large joint arthritis will work beyond traditional retirement age. This review considers the impact of knee osteoarthritis (OA) on work participation and the relation between work and total knee replacement (TKR).

Sources: Two systematic searches in Embase and Medline, supplemented by three systematic reviews.

Areas of agreement: Probably, although evidence is limited, knee OA considerably impairs participation in work (labour force participation, work attendance and work productivity). AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY/RESEARCH NEED: Little is known about effective interventions (treatments, work changes and policies) to improve vocational participation in patients with knee OA; or how type of work affects long-term clinical outcomes (e.g. pain, function and the need for revision surgery) in patients with TKRs. The need for such research is pressing and opportune, as increasing numbers of patients with knee OA or TKR expect to work on.

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References

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    1. Which? works for you. Millions plan to work past retirement age of 65. http://www.which.co.uk/news/2011/11/millions-plan-to-work-past-retiremen...
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