Patient-oriented functional outcome after unilateral lower extremity fracture

E J MacKenzie¹, A R Burgess, M P McAndrew

¹Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD.

|January 1, 1993

Summary

Lower extremity fractures significantly impair patient function, especially in work and ambulation, six months post-injury. Many patients experience moderate disability, impacting daily life and return to work.

Area of Science:

Orthopedics
Trauma Surgery
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Lower extremity fractures (LEF) are common injuries, often resulting from high-energy trauma.
Assessing patient-perceived functional outcomes is crucial for understanding the long-term impact of LEF.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate patient-perceived functional outcomes six months after lower extremity fracture management.
To identify specific areas of functional deficit following LEF.

Main Methods:

Prospective, follow-up study at three Level I trauma centers.
Inclusion of patients with unilateral LEF (acetabulum distally).
Functional status assessed using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) at 6 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

Mean 6-month SIP scores were significantly higher (worse) than pre-injury scores (9.8 vs. 2.5).
High SIP scores observed in ambulation, sleep/rest, household management, recreation, emotional well-being, and work.
Only 49% of pre-injury working patients returned to work by 6 months.

Conclusions:

Lower extremity fractures lead to moderate, persistent functional disability at six months.
Significant impairments in ambulation and return to work are key challenges for LEF patients.
Fracture severity and pattern influence functional recovery.

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Patient-oriented functional outcome after unilateral lower extremity fracture

Area of Science:

Background:

Purpose of the Study:

Main Methods:

Main Results:

Conclusions:

Related Concept Videos

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