Traumatic brain injury is common and undertreated in the orthopaedic trauma population

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be difficult to diagnose and are often marginalized when compared to more obvious physical injuries. Despite this, recognition and early treatment can lead to improved outcomes. Even mild TBIs have the potential to cause significant long-term consequences for patients, which may affect their physical recovery from orthopaedic injuries. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and treatment of TBI within the orthopaedic trauma population.

Inclusion criteria were all patients presenting after an acute trauma with an orthopaedic surgery consult over a continuous 3 month timeframe (n = 187). A retrospective review was completed at an academic tertiary referral trauma center. The primary outcome was the rate of TBI. Secondary outcomes included rate of TBI listed as a discharge diagnosis and rate of follow up plan. Several secondary variables were noted and their associations with TBI evaluated.

27 % of the 187 patients had an acute TBI. 61 % of TBI patients had the diagnosis listed in their discharge summary. 6 % had a follow up plan. The positive TBI group was associated with more high energy injuries (p = 0.032), average limbs involved (p = 0.007), upper extremity injury (p < 0.001), bilateral lower extremity injury (p = 0.004), and Injury Severity Score (p < 0.001). 82 % of patients with an acute TBI had an occupational therapy consult and 39 % had a neurosurgery consult. 24 % of patients with a TBI were admitted to the orthopaedic primary service.

Patients presenting after an acute trauma with orthopaedic injuries have high rates of TBI, but low rates of diagnosis and treatment. This lack of diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact recovery from orthopaedic injuries. Orthopaedic providers should be aware of the diagnostic criteria and initial treatment steps for TBI to ensure prompt and effective treatment, which has been shown to improve outcomes.