Influence of workers' compensation eligibility upon functional recovery 10 to 28 years after polytrauma

Boris A. Zelle, Martin Panzica, Molly T. Vogt, Nicola A. Sittaro, Christian Krettek, Hans C. Pape

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that work-related injuries are often associated with inferior outcomes. The aim of the current study was to compare the long-term functional outcome after polytrauma between work-related and non-work-related injuries at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Methods: Six hundred thirty-seven polytrauma patients were evaluated using a patient questionnaire and a physical examination. The average follow-up was 17.5 years (range 10-28 years); the average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 20.7 (range 4 to 54). Results: A multivariate analysis, with adjustments for age, sex, injury severity, and injury pattern, demonstrated that work-related injuries resulted in significantly inferior outcomes measured by the Hannove Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), requirement for medical aids and devices, length of rehabilitation, and retirement status (P < .05). Conclusions: Polytrauma patients receiving workers' compensation achieve significantly inferior long-term outcomes than other patients. The obtained results demonstrate that psychosocial variables such as insurance status have a significant impact on the functional recovery following polytrauma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-36
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume190
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Compensation
  • Injury
  • Outcome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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