Functional Outcomes After Both Bone Forearm Fractures in Adults

J Surg Orthop Adv. 2015 Fall;24(3):164-9.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate midterm outcomes after both bone forearm fractures. A retrospective review of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at three level 1 trauma centers was completed. Eligible patients were sent three questionnaires: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and questions about postinjury experience. Twenty-nine patients with an average age of 45 years returned the materials. The forms were completed an average of 60 months after ORIF. The mean DASH was 22 for all respondents. Twenty-one subjects participated in physical therapy (72%). Eight patients (28%) screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mean SF-12 physical component score was 39 and the SF-12 mental component score was 40, both of which were lower than the non-PTSD group, indicating a lower subjective level of health (p < .05). The data suggest that, years after surgery, patients have decreased functional outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Radius Fractures / complications
  • Radius Fractures / psychology
  • Radius Fractures / therapy*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna Fractures / complications
  • Ulna Fractures / psychology
  • Ulna Fractures / therapy*
  • Young Adult