BackgroundResuming work after surgical treatment of an unstable pelvic ring injury is often impeded because of residual disability. The aim of this study was to test which factors influence return to work, ability to return to the same job function as before the injury, leaves of absence, and incapacitation after sustaining a pelvic fracture.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective study on patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures. Medical records were reviewed to document patients’ demographic data, the extent of follow-up care, diagnosis of the injury (according to the Tile system of classification), type of surgical treatment, injury severity, and the time from trauma to definitive surgery. We also recorded the classification of patients’ physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and details about admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were interviewed to note the number of days before returning to work and their ability to maintain their previously held jobs.ResultsFifty patients were included in the study, and their mean age was 46.3 ± 12.6 years. The median time to return to work was 195 days. Twelve patients (24 %) lost their jobs and 17 (34 %) resumed their previous job with a change of tasks. ICU admission and time from trauma to definitive surgery were negatively correlated with return to the previously held job. Returning to the same job tasks was not associated with any of the factors investigated. Polytrauma, ICU admission, and time from trauma to definitive surgery were associated with longer leaves of absence.ConclusionsWork reintegration after pelvic ring injuries is a major issue for patients and health care systems: 58 % of patients were not able to return to or lost their job. Factors correlated with leaves of absence were injury severity, delayed definitive fixation, and ICU admission.Level of evidenceIV (case series).
The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee is formed by the iliotibial band, lateral collateral ligament, biceps femoris, midthird capsular ligament, popliteus muscle complex, and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. Biomechanically, the most important structures are the lateral collateral ligament and the popliteus complex. The PLC functions primarily to resist varus rotation, external tibial rotation, and posterior tibial translation. Knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the PLC is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries isolated or associated with rupture of the cruciate ligaments.
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