RETURN TO SPORT AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOLLOWING FIXATION OF PELVIC OR ACETABULAR FRACTURES

Abstract

Background: Acetabular or pelvic ring injuries are invariably associated with high-energy trauma that could lead to a significant degree of disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients who had surgical treatment of isolated acetabular or pelvic injuries were able to return to their previous sporting activities.

Patients and Methods: Between Jan 2001 to Jan 2002, 68 consecutive patients were treated in our institution with isolated pelvic (PF) or acetabular fractures (AF). Demographics, fracture classification, rehabilitation, outcome and complications were documented prospectively. Frequency, level of activity and sports participation before and after surgery, as well as EuroQol (EQ-5D) was also recorded.

Results: There were 58 male and 10 female patients, with a mean age of 42 years (16–80) and mean follow-up 30 months (24–36). 43 out of 53 (81%) patients in AF group and 13 out 15 patients in PF group (83%) returned to a variable level of sports activity. Significant reduction in the level of activity was observed in those who sustained both column (BC) (p< 0.04) and posterior wall (PW) (p< 0.0009) fractures in the AF group. Significant reduction in frequency of sports practice also found in PW subgroup (p< 0.0001). Patients < 25 and > 40 years of age in PF group and < 40 or > 65 in AF group had significant reduction in EQ-5D scores in comparison to normal UK population.

Conclusion: The majority of patients returned back to sports activities following surgery. The worst prognosis lies with BC and PW acetabular fractures. Middle age patients do better comparing to younger or elderly patients in both groups.