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Citation
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Golec P, Depukat P, Rutowicz B, Walocha E, Mizia E, Pełka P, Kopacz P, Tomaszewski KA, Walocha J. Folia Med. Cracov. 2015; 55(2): 23-32. |
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Affiliation
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Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, 5th Military Hospital; Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. krtomaszewski@gmail.com. |
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Abstract
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AIM: The aim of this study was to identify and assess the degree and clinical course of the main health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) issues in patients after a distal radius fracture (DRF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were eligible if they were between 18-80 years and were within 1-3 days after a non-comminuted DRF. All patients filled out the Polish version of the IOF QLQ, the SF-36 and a demographic questionnaire. Assessment points were set as soon as possible after the fracture, 7 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 after the fracture. Standard statistical analyses were performed.
RESULTS: During the 16 month recruitment period a total of 71 patients (55 women - 77.5%), with a mean age of 64.1 ± 12.4 years, were included in the study group. All patients suffered from Colles type fractures. Attrition to follow-up was acceptable. At baseline, basing on the IOF QLQ scale scores, DRF patients had the most significant problems with physical function (82.8/100; with 100 representing the worst possible HRQoL), and general health (78.1/100). Basing on SF-36 scale scores patients most significant problems were associated with role limitations due to physical health problems (15.1/100; with 100 representing the best possible HRQoL), and bodily pain (39.5/100).
CONCLUSIONS: Concluding, this study shows that the main issues with which patients with and extra-articular DRF struggle the most are pain of the fractured extremity and physical dysfunction. These symptoms are most pronounced in the early post-injury period, and in the majority of patients steadily decrease over a period of six months.
Language: en |