Impact of Lower Limb Fractures on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background. Lower limb fractures are associated with severe disability, prolonged treatment and recovery time, and account for the greatest number of surgical procedures. Studies focusing on the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients who sustained lower limb fractures at a productive age are still scarce. The aim of the present study was to assess the HRQOL of individuals who sustained lower limb fractures at two time points: during the acute trauma period (hospitalization) and after six months. Materials and methods. A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted including a total of 121 patients aged 18 years or older with fractures in the lower limbs evaluated based on clinical and sociodemographic variables and using the HRQOL questionnaire SF-36. The data were collected from referral trauma hospitals in two stages: during hospitalization (in-hospital period) and from the same individuals six months after the first interview. Results. At six months following the trauma, significant differences were found for the domains of functional capacity (from 2.77±7.82 to 51.11±28.43), pain (47.51±35.51 to 74.29±21.63), and emotional impairment (57.01±47.62 to 91.22±22.92) in the study period. However, no improvement was observed in the domains of physical limitations and social aspects. There was significant association for the domain “Pain” with age, level of education, and rehabilitation; the domain “Emotional impairment” was associated with treatment within 10 hours, level of education, and immediate osteosynthesis. At six months, only functional capacity exhibited significant associations with the level of education and rehabilitation. Conclusion. Lower limb fractures have a negative impact on the HRQOL that persists for at least six months after the traumatic event and is reflected in the psychosocial, physical and emotional burden imposed by the trauma.