ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures are rare but are severe injuries that occur in younger patients with a significant economic impact. There is limited evidence describing the return to work rates in this group of patients. The aim of our study was to examine the rate and time to return to work (RTW) after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on all patients with surgically treated acetabular fractures at a single institution between 1 July 2010 and 31 December 2018. Medical records were reviewed to analyze demographics such as age, gender, occupation and RTW characteristics. RESULTS: There were 30 patients, with a mean age of 43.3 ± 12.7 years. There were 26 patients who were employed prior to injury. The most common mechanism of injury was from a road traffic accident (73.3%). The average ISS was 8.9 ± 5.2. The mean follow-up duration was 21.5 months ± 15.7. The rate of RTW was 80.8%. Eighteen patients (85.7%) returned to the same job and duties, while two (9.5%) returned with same job but lighter duties and one (4.8%) had to change job. Three patients (11.5%) retired. The average time to return to work was 8.3 months (range 2-57.5). RTW rates were 15.4%, 61.5%, 69.2% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acetabular fractures can lead to loss of economic productivity, with 80.8% of patients returning to work. Work reintegration programs after acetabular fractures are important.
