Pilot study assessing functional outcome of tibial pilon fractures using the VSTORM method

The importance of long-term function and quality of life after trauma is well recognised, but gathering data is difficult. The Victoria State Trauma Registry (VSTORM) collects patient-reported outcome data after major trauma using telephone interview, following prospective enrolment. Key components of the VSTORM interview include use of the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), collection of pre-injury demographics, use of 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and EQ-5D instruments as well as a pain numerical rating scale. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether this methodology would capture clinically relevant data for a population sustaining a severe fracture associated with a wide range of potential outcomes.

Following ethical approval, patients with surgically managed tibial pilon fractures sustained between March 2002 and January 2010 were identified from the logbook of the senior author (IP) and contacted by post. After obtaining consent, a structured telephone interview was performed using the VSTORM questionnaire.

Twenty-six of 45 patients consented to interview and 23/26 patients were contactable (13 male, 10 female, mean age 44 years). There were 17 Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) Type C fractures, six Type B and seven Grade III open injuries. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score for health pre-injury was 88.9 (range 50-100, median 92) versus 71.5 (range 35-100, median 75) post-injury. Seven of 18 patients in full-time employment prior to injury did not return to work. Only one patient returned to previous employment. Nine of 23 patients reported moderate - to-extreme pain interfering with work; 16/23 patients had problems with mobility; 9/23 reported problems climbing stairs; and 14/23 of patients could not resume regular social/leisure activities.

Prospective enrolment at the time of injury may improve follow-up. In those who participated, a credible range of outcomes were reported, comparable to recently published studies. This method appears efficient and acceptable to patients, and hence warrants larger-scale prospective evaluation.