The impact of preexisting disease on outcomes of simple orthopaedic trauma: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: This article describes a prospective cohort study trial which aims to determine what risk factors might be associated with increased levels of pain, disability and psychological distress following simple orthopaedic trauma. Methods: Patients were recruited from two large tertiary referral hospitals. Outcome measures were return to work, measurement of the visual analogue scale for pain and the SF 12 physical component score (PCS) and mental health component score. Results: Fifty-five participants were recruited. Overall, participants had significant improvement in their levels of pain, and all who were working before the injury returned to work. Those with a preexisting disease had a significantly lower ( p = 0.007) initial PCS with no significant changes in either mental health component score or PCS. Conclusions: Differences in outcomes were observed in patients with and without preexisting disease.