Article

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.
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. 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. 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS