The Effect of Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee on Work Participation

Abstract

In our systematic literature search, we included studies involving patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) and outcome measures of work participation. Methodological quality was assessed using 11 criteria; a qualitative data analysis was performed. Fifty-three full-text articles were selected out of 1861 abstracts; finally, data were extracted from 14 articles. Design, populations, definitions, and measurements in the studies showed large variations; work outcomes were often only secondary objectives. The outcomes were summarized as showing a mild negative effect of OA on work participation. Many patients had paid work and managed to stay at work despite limitations. However, research on the effect of OA on work participation is scarce and the methodological quality is often insufficient. The longitudinal course of work participation in individuals with OA has not been described completely.

Impact and therapy of osteoarthritis: the Arthritis Care OA Nation 2012 survey

“…Literature examining the impact of OA on work participation remains conflicting, in part due to variations in study design and cohorts examined. Four studies have reported OA to be independently related to occupational limitations, reduced job effectiveness, being out of work and sick leave, with 75% of workers with OA in one study reporting the need for some kind of work adaption due to their OA [17][18][19]. However, in two further studies equivalent work participation rates were observed in OA and healthy populations.…”

“…However, in two further studies equivalent work participation rates were observed in OA and healthy populations. [20][21][22] The literature is also conflicting regarding forced early retirement due to OA, with a recent meta-analysis failing to find a significant relationship [19]. Together these studies suggest that OA may cause reduced productivity in a substantial proportion of workers with OA, with sick leave and early retirement limited to a smaller proportion of the OA population.…”

Risk of sick leave and disability pension in working-age women and men with knee osteoarthritis

“…The French COART study, using official healthcare and government health insurance data, suggested that OA of all sites contributed to about 2.6% of all sick leave days among employed individuals and compared it with that of coronary heart disease 18. As OA is often considered a disease of older people, several studies focus on people of whom only a minority is still working 14–17 20–23. Owing to differences in social security systems and labour markets, but also differences in study design, comparisons with previous studies are hard to make.…”

“…However, most reports mainly include older subjects14–16 20 21 of whom many are above retirement age 17 22. Estimates of sick leave and work loss are therefore often based on limited numbers of subjects and results are inconclusive 23. Furthermore, most studies are based on survey data with the potential for selection and recall bias, and few studies include comparative figures of sick leave and disability in the general population which put the estimates in a broader perspective 19 24…”

Anticipated significant work limitation in primary care consulters with osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study

“…Normal retirement age in North America and Europe has increased, and is expected to rise further to 69 and beyond 11. However, the extent to which participation in work will be limited by health-related problems, resulting in significant work limitation in terms of absenteeism and presenteeism (remaining in work but with limitation and reduced productivity), is unclear 12. The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions, especially OA, in persons near to retirement age raises questions about the viability of attempts to extend working life.…”