Return to Work and Sports After Tibial Plateau Fracture Treatment: Are There Factors Associated with Faster Recovery?

Background: The aim of this study was to separately assess return to work (RTW) and return to sports (RTS) rates and timelines following surgical and conservative treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPF). A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with faster recovery. Methods: All patients with TPF treated at a single level I trauma center between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate pre- and postoperative work and sports activity. Subgroup and correlation analyses were performed to investigate the influence of demographic and treatment-related factors on RTW and RTS duration. Results: A total of 105 patients were included, of whom 85% (n = 89) received surgical treatment and 15% (n = 16) were treated conservatively. RTW was achieved by 100% of surgically treated and 93% of conservatively treated employed patients, with a mean duration of 11.3 ± 9.5 weeks and 6.5 ± 4.2 weeks, respectively. RTS was achieved by 85% of surgically treated and 86% of conservatively treated previously active patients, occurring after a mean of 22.1 ± 17.9 weeks and 12.2 ± 8.8 weeks, respectively. Male sex, lower fracture complexity, absence of external fixation, and shorter operative times were associated with faster recovery. A general shift toward low-impact and recreational sports and a reduction in sport types and weekly training sessions were observed. Conclusions: Independent of the treatment modality, high RTW and RTS rates are observed within six months following TPF. The identified factors may help guide patient counseling and improve individual rehabilitation planning.