Work productivity after periacetabular osteotomy was affected by preoperative progression of osteoarthritis and heavy workload

Many patients who have undergone a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have had jobs preoperatively. Postoperative return to work and work productivity are important for livelihood security and the social economy. However, there is a lack of evidence on work productivity after PAOs. Therefore, this study investigated the return to work rates and influence of workload, clinical, and radiographic parameters on work productivity after a curved PAO.

In this study, the data of 68 hip joints among 48 participants who underwent curved PAO for symptomatic DDH were analyzed. Correlations between postoperative work productivity and clinical, radiographic, and workload parameters were assessed. Work productivity was evaluated using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Clinical factors were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) and University of California, Los Angeles Activity scores. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were compared with postoperative work productivity. The workload was categorized using the Reichsausschuß für Arbeitszeitermittlung (REFA)-classification system.

Of the participants, 98% returned to work and 87.5% returned to their original jobs. Work productivity was significantly improved in all workload categories at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative Tönnis and REFA classification grades were significantly associated with the postoperative WPAI.

Curved PAOs can improve postoperative work productivity and return to work rates. Preoperative progression of osteoarthritis and heavy workload affect postoperative work productivity.