Outcomes of isolated tibial shaft fractures treated at level 1 trauma centres

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although most tibial shaft fractures are expected to heal within 24 weeks, the long-term effects of these injuries on patients in terms of self-reported health status, disability, and pain are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of patients with isolated tibial shaft fractures treated at the two level 1 adult trauma centres in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Sixty patients with isolated tibial shaft fractures treated at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Alfred Hospital between August 2003 and August 2004 were identified via the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Patient-reported outcomes were prospectively m..