Work Productivity Loss After Minimally Displaced Complete Lateral Compression Pelvis Fractures

J Orthop Trauma, 2024 · DOI: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000002681 · Published: January 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the economic impact of lateral compression pelvic fractures on patients' work productivity. It considers lost employment, lost work time (absenteeism), and reduced productivity while working (presenteeism). The study compares patients treated with surgery versus those treated without surgery to see if surgery leads to better work outcomes. The results show that these fractures can cause significant work-related losses, but surgical treatment might help reduce these losses compared to non-surgical treatment.

Study Duration

1 year

Participants

64 adult patients with a minimally displaced lateral compression pelvic fracture who were working before their injury

Evidence Level

Economic Level II

Key Findings

1
Patients with lateral compression pelvic fractures lost an average of 67% of a work year, corresponding to $56,276 in lost economic productivity.
2
Surgical fixation was associated with 27% fewer lost hours compared to nonoperative management.
3
Surgical fixation prevented $17,266 in average lost economic productivity per patient compared to nonoperative management.

Research Summary

This study quantifies the economic impact of lateral compression pelvic fractures on work productivity, considering unemployment, absenteeism, and presenteeism. The findings reveal substantial economic losses for patients due to these fractures, with an average loss of $56,276 per patient per year. Surgical fixation was found to reduce work impairment and associated economic burden compared to nonoperative management.

Practical Implications

Informed Treatment Decisions

The study results can help surgeons make informed treatment decisions for working adults with lateral compression pelvic fractures, considering the potential economic benefits of surgical fixation.

Economic Burden Awareness

The findings highlight the significant economic burden of these fractures, emphasizing the need for strategies to improve patient recovery and return to work.

Cost-effectiveness Research

The estimated costs can support future research evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different treatment approaches from a societal perspective.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size was reduced because only 63% of the original trial participants were working before their injury.
2
Selection bias may exist because only 44% of patients were randomly assigned to their treatment group.
3
Data collection was focused on the first 12 weeks, and additional data points between 12 and 52 weeks could have increased the precision of the estimates.

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