Factors associated with return to work after open reinsertion of the triangular fibrocartilage

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.