Functional Outcomes After Both Bone Forearm Fractures in Adults

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate midterm outcomes after both bone forearm fractures. A retrospective review of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at three level 1 trauma centers was completed. Eligible patients were sent three questionnaires: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and questions about postinjury experience. Twenty-nine patients with an average age of 45 years returned the materials. The forms were completed an average of 60 months after ORIF. The mean DASH was 22 for all respondents. Twenty-one subjects participated in physical therapy (72%). Eight patients (28%) screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mean SF-12 physical component score was 39 and the SF-12 mental component score was 40, both of which were lower than the non-PTSD group, indicating a lower subjective level of health (p <.05). The data suggest that, years after surgery, patients have decreased functional outcomes. ( Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 24(3):164–169, 2015) Key words: both bone forearm fracture, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), open reduction and internal fixation, physical therapy, posttraumatic stress disorder