Eight of ten patients return to daily activities, work, and sports after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Besides return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS),patients also prefer to return to daily activities(RTA)such as walking,sleeping,grocery shopping,and domestic work following total knee arthroplasty(TKA).However,evidence on the timelines and probability of patients’RTA is sparse.AIM To assess the percentage of patients able to RTA,RTW,and RTS after TKA,as well as the timeframe and influencing factors of this return.METHODS A retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data was conducted at a medium-sized Dutch orthopedic hospital.Assessments of RTA,RTW,and RTS were performed at 3 mo and/or 6 mo following TKA.Investigated factors en-compassed patient characteristics,surgical characteristics,and preoperative patient-reported outcomes.RESULTS TKA patients[n=2063;66 years old(interquartile range[IQR]:7 years);47%male;28 kg/m2(IQR:4 kg/m2)]showed RTA ranging from 28%for kneeling to 94%for grocery shopping,with 20 d(IQR:27 d)spent for putting on shoes to 74 d(IQR:57 d)for kneeling.RTW rates varied from 62%for medium-impact work to 87%for low-impact work,taking 33 d(IQR:29 d)to 78 d(IQR:55 d).RTS ranged from 48%for medium-impact sports to 90%for low-impact sports,occurring within 43 d(IQR:24 d)to 90 d(IQR:60 d).One or more of the investigated factors influenced the return to each of the 14 activities examined,with R²values ranging from 0.013 to 0.127.CONCLUSION Approximately 80%of patients can RTA,RTW,and RTS within 6 mo after TKA.Return is not consistently in-fluenced by predictive factors.Results help set realistic pre-and postoperative expectations.

Exploring influences and risk of bias of studies on return to sport and work after lateral ankle sprain:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprains are the most common traumatic musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity,with an incidence rate of 15%-20%.The high incidence and prevalence highlights the economic impact of this injury.Ankle sprains lead to a high socioeconomic burden due to the combination of the high injury incidence and high medical expenses.Up to 40%of patients who suffer from an ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability.Chronic instability can lead to prolonged periods of pain,immobility and injury recurrence.Identification of factors that influence return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS)after a lateral ankle sprain(LAS)may help seriously reduce healthcare costs.AIM To explore which factors may potentially affect RTW and RTS after sustaining an LAS.METHODS EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published until June 2023.Inclusion criteria were as follows:(1)Injury including LAS or chronic ankle instability;(2)Described any form of treatment;(3)Assessment of RTW or RTS;(4)Studies published in English;and(5)Study designs including randomized controlled clinical trials,clinical trials or cohort studies.Exclusion criteria were:(1)Studies involving children(age<16 year);or(2)Patients with concomitant ankle injury besides lateral ankle ligament damage.A quality assessment was performed for each of the included studies using established risk of bias tools.Additionally quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool in cases where outcomes were included in the quantitative analysis.A best evidence synthesis was performed in cases of qualitative outcome analysis.For all studied outcomes suitable for quantitative analysis a forest plot was created to calculate the effect on RTW and RTS.RESULTS A total of 8904 patients were included in 21 studies,10 randomized controlled trials,7 retrospective cohort studies and 4 prospective cohort studies.Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis.The overall RTS rate ranged were 80%and 83%in the all treatments pool and surgical treatments pool,respectively.The pooled mean days to RTS ranged from 23-93 d.The overall RTW rate was 89%.The pooled mean time to RTW ranged from 5.8-8.1 d.For patients with chronic ankle instability,higher preoperative motivation was the sole factor significantly and independently(P=0.001)associated with the rate of and time to RTS following ligament repair or reconstruction.Higher body mass index was identified as a significant factor(P=0.04)linked to not resuming sports or returning at a lower level(median 24,range 20-37),compared to those who resumed at the same or higher level(median 23,range 17-38).Patients with a history of psychological illness or brain injury,experienced a delay in their rehabilitation process for sprains with fractures and unspecified sprains.The extent of the delayed rehabilitation was directly proportional to the increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrence of the ankle sprain and the number of ankle-related medical visits.We also observed that 10%of athletes who did return to sport after lateral ankle sprain without fractures described non-ankle-related reasons for not returning.CONCLUSION All treatments yielded comparable results,with each treatment potentially offering unique advantages or benefits.Preoperative motivation may influence rehabilitation after LAS.Grading which factor had a greater impact was not possible due to the lack of comparability among the included patients.

Increased number of symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged time to return to full sports performance—AWAREⅧ

Purpose The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with prolonged time to return to full performance(RTFP)in athletes with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.Methods Prospective cohort study with cross sectional analysis.A total of 84 athletes with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed at a coronavirus disease 2019 recovery clinic gave a history of age,sex,type/level of sport,co-morbidities,pre-infection training hours,and 26 acute SARS-CoV-2 symptoms from 3 categories(“nose and throat”,“chest and neck”,and“whole body”/systemic).Data on days to RTFP were obtained by structured interviews.Factors associated with RTFP were demographics,sport participation,history of co-morbidities,pre-infection training history,and acute symptoms(type,number).Outcomes were:(a)days to RTFP(median,interquartile range(IQR))in asymptomatic(n=7)and symptomatic athletes(n=77),and(b)hazard ratios(HRs;95%confidence interval)for symptomatic athletes with vs.without a factor(univariate,multiple models).HR<1 was predictive of higher percentage chance of prolonged RTFP.Significance was p<0.05.Results Days to RTFP were 30 days(IQR:23–40)for asymptomatic and 64 days(IQR:42–91)for symptomatic participants(p>0.05).Factors associated with prolonged RTFP(univariate models)were:females(HR=0.57;p=0.014),endurance athletes(HR=0.41;p<0.0001),co-morbidity number(HR=0.75;p=0.001),and respiratory disease history(HR=0.54;p=0.026).In symptomatic athletes,prolonged RTFP(multiple models)was significantly associated with increased“chest and neck”(HR=0.85;p=0.017)and“nose and throat”(HR=0.84;p=0.013)symptoms,but the association was more profound between prolonged RFTP and increased total number of“all symptoms”(HR=0.91;p=0.001)and“whole body”/systemic(HR=0.82;p=0.007)symptoms.Conclusion A larger number of total symptoms and specifically“whole body”/systemic symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged RTFP.

Symptom presentation and evolution in the first 48 hours after injury are associated with return to play after concussion in elite Rugby Union

Background:Return to play(RTP)in elite rugby is managed using a 6-stage graduated RTP protocol,which can result in clearance to play within 1 week of injury.We aimed to explore how symptom,cognitive,and balance presentation and evolution during concussion screens 2 h(head injury assessment(HIA2)and 48 h(HIA3)after injury were associated with time to RTP)to identify whether a more conservative graduated RTP may be appropriate.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 380 concussed rugby players from elite men’s rugby over 3 consecutive seasons.Players were classified as shorter or longer returns,depending on whether RTP occurred within 7 days(allowing them to be considered to play the match 1 week after injury)or longer than 8 days,respectively.Symptom,cognitive,and balance performance during screens was assessed relative to baseline(normal or abnormal)and to the preceding screen(improving or worsening).Associations between sub-test abnormalities and RTP time were explored using odds ratios(OR,longer vs.shorter).Median day absence was compared between players with abnormal or worsening results and those whose results were normal or improving.Results:Abnormal symptom results during screens 2 h and 48 h after concussion were associated with longer return time(HIA2:OR=2.21,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.39-3.50;HIA3:OR=3.30,95%CI:1.89-5.75).Worsening symptom number or severity from the time of injury to 2 h and 48 h post-injury was associated with longer return(HIA2:OR=2.49,95%CI:1.36-4.58;HIA3:OR=3.34,95%CI:1.10-10.15).Median days absence was greater in players with abnormal symptom results at both HIA2 and HIA3.Cognitive and balance performance were not associated with longer return and did not affect median days absence.Conclusion:Symptom presentation and evolution within 48 h of concussion were associated with longer RTP times.This may guide a more conservative approach to RTP,while still adhering to individualized concussion management principles.

Exploring the Factors Associated with 12-Month Non-Return to Work among Motorcyclists Involved in Road Accidents

Introduction: Motorcyclists bear a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality from road accidents. In addition, the consequences of these accidents affect the ability of victims to return to work. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-return to work among surviving motorcyclists involved in road accidents 12 months after the event. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted using data from a cohort of motorcyclists involved in accidents and recruited in five hospitals in Benin from July 2019 to January 2020. The dependent variable was non-return to work 12 months after the accident (yes vs no). The independent variables were categorized into two groups: baseline and 12-month follow-up variables. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with non-return to work at 12 months among the participants. Results: Among the 362 participants, 55 (15.19%, 95% CI = 11.84 - 19.29) had not returned to work 12 months after the accident. Risk factors for non-return to work identified were: smoking (aOR = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.44 - 13.56, p = 0.010), hospitalization (aOR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.14 - 7.24, p Conclusion: The prevalence of non-return to work at 12 months was high among surviving motorcyclists involved in road accidents in Benin. Integrated support for patients based on identified risk factors should effectively improve their return to work.

Return to sport following toe phalanx fractures:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidance on return to sport following toe phalanx fractures is limited.AIM To systemically review all studies recording return to sport following toe phalanx fractures(both acute fractures and stress fractures),and to collate information on return rates to sport(RRS)and mean return times(RTS)to the sport.METHODS A systematic search of PubMed,MEDLINE,EMBASE,CINAHL,Cochrane Library,Physiotherapy Evidence Database,and Google Scholar was performed in December 2022 using the keywords‘Toe’,‘Phalanx’,‘Fracture’,‘injury’,‘athletes’,‘sports’,‘non-operative’,‘conservative’,‘operative’,‘return to sport’.All studies which recorded RRS and RTS following toe phalanx fractures were included.RESULTS Thirteen studies were included:one retrospective cohort study and twelve case series.Seven studies reported on acute fractures.Six studies reported on stress fractures.For the acute fractures(n=156),63 were treated with primary conservative management(PCM),6 with primary surgical management(PSM)(all displaced intra-articular(physeal)fractures of the great toe base of the proximal phalanx),1 with secondary surgical management(SSM)and 87 did not specify treatment modality.For the stress fractures(n=26),23 were treated with PCM,3 with PSM,and 6 with SSM.For acute fractures,RRS with PCM ranged from 0 to 100%,and RTS with PCM ranged from 1.2 to 24 wk.For acute fractures,RRS with PSM were all 100%,and RTS with PSM ranged from 12 to 24 wk.One case of an undisplaced intra-articular(physeal)fracture treated conservatively required conversion to SSM on refracture with a return to sport.For stress fractures,RRS with PCM ranged from 0%to 100%,and RTS with PCM ranged from 5 to 10 wk.For stress fractures,RRS with PSM were all 100%,and RTS with surgical management ranged from 10 to 16 wk.Six cases of conservatively-managed stress fractures required conversion to SSM.Two of these cases were associated with a prolonged delay to diagnosis(1 year,2 years)and four cases with an underlying deformity[hallux valgus(n=3),claw toe(n=1)].All six cases returned to the sport after SSM.CONCLUSION The majority of sport-related toe phalanx fractures(acute and stress)are managed conservatively with overall satisfactory RRS and RTS.For acute fractures,surgical management is indicated for displaced,intra-articular(physeal)fractures,which offers satisfactory RRS and RTS.For stress fractures,surgical management is indicated for cases with delayed diagnosis and established nonunion at presentation,or with significant underlying deformity:both can expect satisfactory RRS and RTS.

Return to physical activity after gastrocnemius recession

AIM To prospectively investigate the time taken and patients' ability to resume preoperative level of physical activity after gastrocnemius recession. METHODS Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession(EGR) was performed on 48 feet in 46 consecutive sportspersons, with a minimum follow-up of 24 mo. The Halasi Ankle Activity Score was used to quantify the level of physical activity. Time taken to return to work and physical activity was recorded. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the short form 36(SF-36), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) Hindfoot score and modified Olerud and Molander(O and M) scores respectively. Patient's satisfaction and pain experienced were assessed using a modified Likert scale and visual analogue scales. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Ninety-one percent(n = 42) of all patients returned to their preoperative level of physical activity after EGR. The mean time for return to physical activity was 7.5(2-24) mo. Ninety-eight percent(n = 45) of all patients were able to return to their preoperative employment status, with a mean time of 3.6(1-12) mo. Ninety-six percent(n = 23) of all patients with an activity score > 2 were able to resume their preoperative level of physical activity in mean time of 8.8 mo, as compared to 86%(n = 19) of patients whose activity score was ≤ 2, with mean time of 6.1 mo. Significant improvements were noted in SF-36, AOFAS hindfoot and modified O and M scores. Ninety percent of all patients rated good or very good outcomes on the Likert scale.CONCLUSION The majority of patients were able to return to their pre-operative level of sporting activity after EGR.

Exploring the employment readiness and return to work status of breast cancer patients and related factors

Objective:To investigate the employment status,employment readiness,and other factors affecting the ease or difficulty with which breast cancer patients effect their return to work(RTW).Methods:This study adopted a mixed-method design,recruiting participants from among breast cancer patients in a cancer hospital in Hunan from December 2018 to June 2019.We approached 300 individuals,192 of whom ultimately participated in this study.The quantitative part of the study involved several scales:the Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9),the Brief Fatigue Inventory(BFI),the Work Ability Index(WAI),and the Lam Assessment of Employment Readiness(LASER).The qualitative part involved a set of open-ended questions and written responses collected from 41 participants who had already returned to work at the time of data collection.Their written responses mainly concerned factors influencing RTW.Results:Forty-one breast cancer patients had returned to work.The results reported a median total Cognitive Symptom Checklist score of 9.00(6.00,15.25),a median WAI score of 5.00(3.50,9.75),a median BFI score of 26.00(14.75,42.00),a median total PHQ-9 score of 8.00(5.25,17.00),and a LASER score of 50.35±11.90.Multiple regression analysis showed that the participants’cancer stage,cognitive limitations,depression,fatigue,and work ability were significant predictors of employment readiness(P<0.05).Exploring the qualitative data,we found that higher skill levels,better social support,and a flexible work schedule facilitated RTW;stress,lack of confidence in one’s work skills,depression,and fatigue are all possible barriers to RTW.Conclusion:The findings indicate that breast cancer patients have a low level of employment readiness.Nurses and other healthcare providers can develop relevant interventions to promote employment readiness and ultimately achieve RTW in this study population.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction:Return to sports at a minimum 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND Between 43%and 75%of patients who undergo primary anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)surgery return to sport activity.However,after a revision ACL reconstruction(ACLR)the rate of return to sports is variable.A few publications have reported returns to sports incidence between 56%to 100%after revision ACLR.AIM To determine return to sports and functional outcomes after a single-stage revision ACLR with a 5-year minimum follow-up at a single institution.METHODS All patients operated between 2010 and 2016 with a minimum 5 years of followup were included.Type of sport,intensity,frequency,expectation,time to return to sport and failure rate were recorded.Lysholm,Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee forms were evaluated prior to the first ACLR surgery,at 6 mo after primary surgery and after revision ACLR at 5 years minimum of follow-up.Objective stability was tested with the knee arthrometer test(KT-1000 knee arthrometer,Medmetric Corp).RESULTS A total of 41 patients who underwent revision ACLR during that period of time were contacted and available for follow-up.Median patient age at time of revision was 29 years old[interquartile range(IQR):24.0-36.0],and 39(95.0%)were male.The median time from revision procedure to follow-up was 70 mo(IQR:58.0-81.0).Regarding return to sports,16(39.0%)were at the same level compared to preinjury period,and 25 patients(61.0%)returned at a lower level.Sixty-three percent categorized the sport as very important and 37.0%as important.One patient(2.4%)failed with a recurrent ACL torn.Mean preoperative Lysholm and(SD)16]and 50(SD 11),respectively.At follow-up,mean Lysholm and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 89(SD 8)and 82(SD 9)(P=0.0001).Mean Tegner score prior to primary ACLR was 6.7(SD 1.3),5.1(1.5 SD)prior to revision ACLR and 5.6(1.6 SD)at follow-up(P=0.0002).Overall,knee arthrometer test measurement showed an average of 6 mm(IQR:4.0-6.0)side-to-side difference of displacement prior to revision ACLR and 3mm(IQR:1.5-4.0)after revision.CONCLUSION Almost 40.0%of patients returned to preinjury sports level and 60.0%to a lower level.These may be useful when counseling a patient regarding sports expectations after a revision ACLR.

Return to work following shoulder arthroplasty:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Many patients prioritize the ability to return to work(RTW)after shoulder replacement surgeries such as total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA),reverse TSA(rTSA),and shoulder hemiarthroplasty(HA).Due to satisfactory clinical and functional long-term outcomes,the number of shoulder replacements performed will continue to rise into this next decade.With younger individuals who compose a significant amount of the workforce receiving shoulder replacements,patients will begin to place a higher priority on their ability to RTW following shoulder arthroplasty.AIM To summarize RTW outcomes following TSA,rTSA,and HA,and analyze the effects of workers’compensation status on RTW rates and ability.METHODS This systematic review and analysis was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A literature search regarding RTW following shoulder arthroplasty was performed using four databases(PubMed,Scopus,Embase,and Cochrane Library),and the Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).All studies in English relevant to shoulder arthroplasty and RTW through January 2021 that had a level of evidence I to IV were included.Nonclinical studies,literature reviews,case reports,and those not reporting on RTW after shoulder arthroplasty were excluded.RESULTS The majority of patients undergoing TSA,rTSA,or HA were able to RTW betweenone to four months,depending on work demand stratification.While sedentary or light demand jobs generally have higher rates of RTW,moderate or heavy demand jobs tend to have poorer rates of return.The rates of RTW following TSA(71%-93%)were consistently higher than those reported for HA(69%-82%)and rTSA(56%-65%).Furthermore,workers’compensation status negatively influenced clinical outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty.Through a pooled means analysis,we proposed guidelines for the average time to RTW after TSA,rTSA,and HA.For TSA,rTSA,and HA,the average time to RTW regardless of work demand stratification was 1.93±3.74 mo,2.3±2.4 mo,and 2.29±3.66 mo,respectively.CONCLUSION The majority of patients are able to RTW following shoulder arthroplasty.Understanding outcomes for rates of RTW following shoulder arthroplasty would assist in managing expectations in clinical practice.

Impact of Surgical Treatment of Patella Tendon Rupture Regarding Return to Sports in Yaounde

Introduction: Patella tendon rupture (PTR) is a cause of handicap in athletic patients. Surgery remains the actual therapeutic modality with a variety of techniques that permits a return to sport. Our objective was to evaluate the return to sporting activities after surgical repair of a PTR. Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study over five years from January 2016 to April 2021. We included athletes from 18 to 65 years of operating for a PTR. We evaluated: the knee functional score, the level of satisfaction, Lysholm score, VISA-P questionnaire, and return to sports. Results: A total of twenty-one cases of PTR were identified. The median age was 36 years (18 - 63). After surgery, the median follow-up was 17 months (12 - 55). All patients were able to walk at 3 months. A total of 17 patients (85%) returned to sports. The median return to sports was 6 months (5 - 11). Patients who return to a similar sport with a similar initial level of sporting activity were 45% (9 patients). The median time to return to sports for patients at a similar level of sport was 7.5 months (6 - 13). Functional scores were satisfactory;with a VISA-P score of 90/100 (25 - 100) and a Lysholm score of 98/100 (40 - 100). Conclusion: Surgical repair of PTR in athletes offers good results regarding return to sports in terms of proportion and timing whatsoever the technique. The use of protection band wires is reserved for patients with relative satisfaction during suture repair.

Implementation of a Return to Work Strategy in Germany—Are There Changes in Work-Related Rehabilitation Measures and Employment Status in Chronic Conditions?

Objectives: Aging workforces with increasing numbers of chronic conditions require health initiatives with greater workplace focus. A regional pension insurance introduced a Return To Work (RTW) strategy for insurants with chronic conditions. The objective was to identify the degree of implementation of work related measures in medical rehabilitation and the extent of RTW outcomes. Methods: 5883 insurants were considered. Severe Restriction of Work Ability (SRWA), Work-related Medical Rehabilitation (WMR), and Case Management (CM) were examined for 2008 and 2012. An Index of Employment status (IoE) was used in a logistic regression. Results: Utilization of WMR raised from 12.3% in 2008 to 66.1% in 2012. The proportion of insurants with SRWA and WMR grew from 8% up to 40.1%. In 2008, 14.7% of insurants with SRWA received WMR;in 2012, it grew to 76.6%. On the other hand, in 2012 26% got WMR without SRWA and 12.2% had SRWA and got no WMR. CM was not conducted in 2008 but reached 20.2% in 2012. Across all indications, WMR resulted in positive RTW as measured by IoE: OR = 0.75 (KI-95%: 0.67 - 0.86). Conclusion: WMR was successfully implemented according to the German guideline. There is a need to optimize the linkage between SRWA and WMR and CM to provide need-based care.

A Man's Return to His First Hometown

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A Return to Nature： On the Theme of Lady Chatterley＇s Lover

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Celebrating Macao's Return to China

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Return to Human Orientation:Route for China to Secure Human Rights in 21st Century

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