@article{ref1,
title="Ankle fractures and employment: a life-changing event for patients",
journal="Disability and rehabilitation",
year="2014",
author="Thakore, Rachel V. and Hooe, Benjamin S. and Considine, Perrin and Sathiyakumar, Vasanth and Onuoha, Gerald and Hinson, Julian K. and Obremskey, William T. and Sethi, Manish K.",
volume="37",
number="5",
pages="417-422",
abstract="PURPOSE: Ankle fractures, one of the most common types of orthopaedic injury, have been associated with reduced functional outcome and significant changes in long-term employment. Although information on unemployment following ankle fractures can be important in cases of financial compensation, no studies have investigated rates of short-term disability and employment status among patients who have suffered isolated ankle fractures in the US. <br><br>METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 573 medical charts for patients who were treated for ankle fractures in the last 3 years at a level I trauma center. A total of 83 non-elderly patients that had isolated ankle fractures were contacted and surveyed over the phone. Patients were asked about employment history and current status, disability, type of fracture, and demographic information. <br><br>RESULTS: Fifty-three (62%) patients contacted were employed at the time of injury. In all, 34% (n = 18) of patients lost their job because of their injury, of which only 8 (44%) received new employment. A total of 15% (n = 8) of patients that were previously employed decided to no longer return to work. Ten patients (56%) received disability status. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Ankle fracture patients are likely to suffer high rates of unemployment or disability shortly after their injury. Further investigations with a larger-scale, randomized patient population can provide important information on employment status following ankle fractures. Implications for Rehabilitation A total of 47.0% of ankle fracture patients are unable to return to work within 5 years following injury. Patients in labour-intensive jobs are especially vulnerable to job loss and disability. Rehabilitation should have a greater focus on occupational therapy and work-related functioning. Improving patient compliance with attendance for rehabilitation may improve employment outcomes.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0963-8288",
doi="10.3109/09638288.2014.923525",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2014.923525"
}