Musculoskeletal function assessment outcomes scores over time for tibial plafond (OTA/AO 43) and proximal humeral (OTA/AO 11) fractures: A pilot project

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: What is the return to function after an isolated proximal humerus or tibial plafond fracture? DESIGN:: Prospective observational. SETTING:: Orthopaedic outpatient clinics. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:: Consecutive patients were enrolled with isolated proximal humerus (N = 155) and tibial plafond fractures (N = 120). INTERVENTION:: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:: Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. RESULTS:: Patients who sustained isolated proximal humerus or tibial plafond fractures showed gradual improvement over 1 year. Women consistently demonstrated greater dysfunction than men at 6, 9, and 12 months after tibial plafond fracture. Age had an impact on return to function after injury for both fractures. Younger patients (18-29 years) with either type of injury tended to have better scores compared with the older patients. CONCLUSIONS:: Detailed analysis of this data demonstrates variation in patient-based outcomes during recovery from a proximal humerus or tibial plafond fracture. These data need to be reviewed in the context of the individual patient when following a patient's recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.