Luke J Bonato1, Elton R Edwards2, Cameron McR Gosling3, Raphael Hau4, Dirk Jan Hofstee5, Alex Shuen6, Belinda J Gabbe7. 1. Monash University MBBS Program, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: luke.bonato@monash.edu. 2. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. 3. Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Orthopaedics, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. 5. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Orthopaedics, Medical Centre Alkmaar, The Netherlands. 6. Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia. 7. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tibial plafond fractures represent a small but complex subset of fractures of the lower limb. The aim of this study was to describe the health related quality of life, pain and return to work outcomes 12 months following surgically managed tibial plafond fracture. METHODS: The Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR) database was used to identify patients with tibial plafond fractures. All patients captured by VOTOR with a tibial plafond fracture between September 2003 and July 2009, were identified consecutively and comprised the initial cohort. The radiographs of all identified patients were classified using the AO/OTA fracture classification. A review of the included patient's medical records was performed. Data were collected on the injury event, management and complications. Outcomes at 12 months were prospectively collected by telephone interview and included return to work, a numerical rating scale for assessment of pain and the Short Form 12 (SF-12). RESULTS: There were 98 unilateral tibial plafond fractures; 91 fractures were managed operatively, 4 non-operatively and 3 underwent amputation. The 91 operatively managed patients were the focus of this study. A two-stage management approach, involving temporary external fixation, followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation, was the most common operative treatment. The follow-up rate at 12 months was 70%. 57% had returned to work by 12 months post-injury, the median (IQR) pain score was 2 (0-5) and 27% reported moderate to severe persistent pain. Mean PCS-12 scores were significantly lower than Australian norms (p=0.99), 38.2 for males and 37.5 for females. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of persistent pain, loss of physical health and a low return to work rate highlights the profound impact of tibial plafond fractures on patients' lives. Although this study looked at the early 12 month results, it is expected these outcomes will continue to improve over time. Further studies, with larger patient numbers, must focus on how to improve not only the operative management of these fractures, but also patient's mental and overall physical health in the long term. Improved management techniques and early identification of injury patterns known to perform poorly may help long-term outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Tibial plafond fractures represent a small but complex subset of fractures of the lower limb. The aim of this study was to describe the health related quality of life, pain and return to work outcomes 12 months following surgically managed tibial plafond fracture. METHODS: The Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR) database was used to identify patients with tibial plafond fractures. All patients captured by VOTOR with a tibial plafond fracture between September 2003 and July 2009, were identified consecutively and comprised the initial cohort. The radiographs of all identified patients were classified using the AO/OTA fracture classification. A review of the included patient's medical records was performed. Data were collected on the injury event, management and complications. Outcomes at 12 months were prospectively collected by telephone interview and included return to work, a numerical rating scale for assessment of pain and the Short Form 12 (SF-12). RESULTS: There were 98 unilateral tibial plafond fractures; 91 fractures were managed operatively, 4 non-operatively and 3 underwent amputation. The 91 operatively managed patients were the focus of this study. A two-stage management approach, involving temporary external fixation, followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation, was the most common operative treatment. The follow-up rate at 12 months was 70%. 57% had returned to work by 12 months post-injury, the median (IQR) pain score was 2 (0-5) and 27% reported moderate to severe persistent pain. Mean PCS-12 scores were significantly lower than Australian norms (p=0.99), 38.2 for males and 37.5 for females. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of persistent pain, loss of physical health and a low return to work rate highlights the profound impact of tibial plafond fractures on patients' lives. Although this study looked at the early 12 month results, it is expected these outcomes will continue to improve over time. Further studies, with larger patient numbers, must focus on how to improve not only the operative management of these fractures, but also patient's mental and overall physical health in the long term. Improved management techniques and early identification of injury patterns known to perform poorly may help long-term outcomes.
Authors: Carlo Biz; Andrea Angelini; Marco Zamperetti; Filippo Marzotto; Silvano Pierluigi Sperotto; Diego Carniel; Claudio Iacobellis; Pietro Ruggieri Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2018-03-01 Impact factor: 3.411
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Authors: Joanna F Dipnall; Richard Page; Lan Du; Matthew Costa; Ronan A Lyons; Peter Cameron; Richard de Steiger; Raphael Hau; Andrew Bucknill; Andrew Oppy; Elton Edwards; Dinesh Varma; Myong Chol Jung; Belinda J Gabbe Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-09-23 Impact factor: 3.240