Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Surgery for hip, knee, and back issues should help patients better do their day-to-day activities such as go to work. However, problems sometimes arise after surgery such as concerns about vital organs or returns to the hospital after surgery. These events can make recovery after surgery more difficult and affect the ability to work and make money. We conducted this study to measure the impact that unexpected problems after surgery can have on work and earnings for patients. We looked at data from more than 40,000 Canadian adults having scheduled hip, knee, or spine surgery in the years 2016 and 2017. Seven percent of patients had problems after surgery. Patients with problems were 3% less likely to be working and had $3,400 lower yearly earnings after surgery, compared to patients without problems. This study shows that problems after routine surgery can negatively impact patients beyond their physical health. Problems after surgery can have a long-term impact on patients' ability to work and earn money. This information shows the need for more research and better healthcare to reduce problems after surgery.