Using population-based data, this study found a link between sociodemographic and work characteristics and the type of return-to-work

(RTW) outcome following knee surgery for a work-related injury. Women and lower income earners tended not to have full RTW, after controlling for covariates. Workers in physically demanding occupations also tended not to have full RTW, suggesting that factors beyond clinical and surgical characteristics influence disability outcomes. RTW programs need to take into consideration these broader determinants of worker health.