Predictive factors of return to work trajectory after work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study on 96 workers

Objective: Sustained return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome (WRRCS) remains quite difficult. The main purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors of a return-to-work (RTW) trajectory. <br/>
Methods: 96 workers with WRRCS were identified by 4 surgeons. They were followed prospectively before and after the surgery, until one year after RTW, or 20 months after surgery when no return to work was observed. Participants filled in a series of standardised questionnaires related to working conditions, health and beliefs and performed functional tests at the inclusion time. Then, during the follow-up period, they were regularly asked about their working conditions (present or not at work), activity (normal or lightened physical duties) and schedules (full- or part-time job). The statistical analysis was based on single and multiple factor models of prediction of the workers trajectory. <br/>
Results: Three trajectories of RTW were distinguished, considering RTW and absenteeism that occurred during the follow-up: stable, unstable and non-RTW. The median age of the sample was 49.5 [45.0-54.0], with 67.7% of workers employed in highly physically demanding jobs. In the multiple factor model, three factors were highly predictive of the trajectory s stability: perceived health recorded before surgery (1st question of SF-12 survey), having had a repaired partial or complete ruptured rotator cuff tendinopathy, and the level of physical demand of the job. <br/>
Conclusion: Three easy-to-collect predictive factors of RTW trajectory stability have been identified. They may be useful for healthcare professionals and care givers to identify vulnerable workers concerning the risk of professional dropout as a consequence of shoulder surgery in an occupational context.