Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess return to work (RTW) after open Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) reinsertion. RTW after open surgery for TFCC injury was assessed by questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-operatively. Median RTW time was assessed on inverted Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard ratios were calculated with Cox regression models. 310 patients with a mean age of 38 years were included. By 1 year, 91% of the patients had returned to work, at a median 12 weeks (25%–75%: 6–20 weeks). Light physical labor (HR 3.74) was associated with RTW within the first 15 weeks; this association altered from 23 weeks onward: light (HR 0.59) or moderate physical labor (HR 0.25) was associated with lower RTW rates. Patients with poorer preoperative Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) total score returned to work later (HR 0.91 per 10 points). Overall cost of loss of productivity per patient was €13,588. In the first year after open TFCC reinsertion, 91% of the patients returned to work, including 50% within 12 weeks. Factors associated with RTW were age, gender, work intensity, and PRWE score at baseline.
Highlights
Ulnar-sided wrist problems can interfere with ability to work and may lead to productivity loss
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC, see Fig. 1) injuries are a frequent cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain
Ruch et al [2] reported on arthroscopic repair of TFCC injury and found that 11 out of 13 patients returned to their original occupation at a mean 9 weeks
Summary
Ulnar-sided wrist problems can interfere with ability to work and may lead to productivity loss. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC, see Fig. 1) injuries are a frequent cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Factors associated with the time to return to work (RTW) are less well-known. Bernstein et al [1] reported time to RTW in patients after an arthroscopic wafer procedure (21 weeks) and an ulnar shortening procedure (24 weeks). Ruch et al [2] reported on arthroscopic repair of TFCC injury and found that 11 out of 13 patients returned to their original occupation at a mean 9 weeks. Van der Molen et al [3] reported a median RTW time of 14 weeks after wrist fracture and ligament instability, and of 14 weeks after ulnar shortening.
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