Return to Work and Functional Outcomes Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in U.S. Military Servicemembers

Abstract

This investigation sought to determine occupational outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a high-demand cohort. A total of 159 military servicemembers underwent 181 primary TKAs with mean follow-up of 4.1 (range, 2.0-6.6) years. Approximately 18% of servicemembers underwent medical separation from the military due to TKA-related limitations, and age <45 years (OR=2.36; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.90) was established as the significant risk factor. Twenty servicemembers (12.6%) performed postoperative combat deployments, with age <45 years (OR=3.10; 95% CI: 1.29, 7.47) or combat arms designation (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.13, 6.73) associated with higher rates of deployment. Nine revision TKAs (5.0%) were performed at an average of 1.9 years. Following TKA, 82% of servicemembers remained on active-duty or completed their military service.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: functional outcome; military; physical activity; total knee arthroplasty; work.