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Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

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Open Access 01-06-2016 | Original Article

Are work return and leaves of absence predictable after an unstable pelvic ring injury?

Authors: Alessandro Aprato, Alexander Joeris, Ferdinando Tosto, Vasiliki Kalampoki, Elke Rometsch, Marco Favuto, Alessandro Stucchi, Matheus Azi, Alessandro Massè

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology | Issue 2/2016

Abstract

Background

Resuming work after surgical treatment of an unstable pelvic ring injury is often impeded because of residual disability. The aim of this study was to test which factors influence return to work, ability to return to the same job function as before the injury, leaves of absence, and incapacitation after sustaining a pelvic fracture.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective study on patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures. Medical records were reviewed to document patients’ demographic data, the extent of follow-up care, diagnosis of the injury (according to the Tile system of classification), type of surgical treatment, injury severity, and the time from trauma to definitive surgery. We also recorded the classification of patients’ physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and details about admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were interviewed to note the number of days before returning to work and their ability to maintain their previously held jobs.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the study, and their mean age was 46.3 ± 12.6 years. The median time to return to work was 195 days. Twelve patients (24 %) lost their jobs and 17 (34 %) resumed their previous job with a change of tasks. ICU admission and time from trauma to definitive surgery were negatively correlated with return to the previously held job. Returning to the same job tasks was not associated with any of the factors investigated. Polytrauma, ICU admission, and time from trauma to definitive surgery were associated with longer leaves of absence.

Conclusions

Work reintegration after pelvic ring injuries is a major issue for patients and health care systems: 58 % of patients were not able to return to or lost their job. Factors correlated with leaves of absence were injury severity, delayed definitive fixation, and ICU admission.

Level of evidence

IV (case series).

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Title: Are work return and leaves of absence predictable after an unstable pelvic ring injury?
Authors: Alessandro Aprato
Alexander Joeris
Ferdinando Tosto
Vasiliki Kalampoki
Elke Rometsch
Marco Favuto
Alessandro Stucchi
Matheus Azi
Alessandro Massè
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1590-9921
Electronic ISSN: 1590-9999
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-015-0379-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Are work return and leaves of absence predictable after an unstable pelvic ring injury?

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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