Occupation and risk of knee osteoarthritis and knee replacement: a longitudinal, multiple-cohort study

Abstract

Purpose: Most data from observational studies suggest that occupations that involve repetitive and/or excessive levels of knee loading, such as farming, mining and floor-laying, carry an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Similarly, specific work-place physical activities (e.g. heavy lifting) have been associated with increased knee OA prevalence. There is, however, limited data on the effect of occupational exposures on knee OA incidence and progression to total knee replacement (TKR).