The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Road Traffic Crashes on Work-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently after road traffic crashes (RTCs), and the effect on work participation is not fully understood. The primary aim of this review was to determine the impact of sustaining a musculoskeletal injury during an RTC on the rate of return to work (RTW), sick leave, and other work outcomes. The secondary aim was to determine factors associated with these work-related outcomes. An electronic search of relevant databases to identify observational studies related to work and employment, RTC, and musculoskeletal injuries was conducted. Where possible, outcome data were pooled by follow-up period to answer the primary aim. Fifty-three studies were included in this review, of which 28 were included in meta-analyses. The pooled rate of RTW was 70% at 1 month, 67% at 3 months, 76% at 6 months, 83% at 12 months, and 70% at 24 months. Twenty-seven percent of participants took some sick leave by one month follow-up, 13% by 3 months, 23% by 6 months, 36% by 12 months, and 22% by 24 months. Most of the factors identified as associated with work outcomes were health-related, with some evidence also for sociodemographic factors. While 70% of people with RTC-related musculoskeletal injury RTW shortly after accident, many still have not RTW two years later.

Quality of life of survivors following road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda

“…Our findings show that high level of education, theatre intervention (ORIF and OREF), LEFS scores, injury aetiology, rehabilitation, and disability levels had a favourable influence on health outcomes in patients recovering from orthopaedic injuries (upper limbs and lower limbs injuries) in Rwanda, as seen in previous studies ( 3 , 19 , 22 , 43 , 44 ). The findings underscore the significance of specific treatments that target education, rehabilitation, and functional status to enhance health outcomes in RTOI victims.…”

“…Orthopaedic injuries resulting from road traffic accidents can lead to long-term physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences for survivors ( 19 ). The quality of life of survivors following road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda is an important aspect to consider in understanding the impact of such injuries on individuals and society.…”

Estimating the economic impact of complications after open tibial fracture: A secondary analysis of the pilot Gentamicin Open Tibia trial (pGO-Tibia)

“…A recent meta-analysis looking at the rate of RTW among patients with musculoskeletal injuries after road traffic accidents across 28 identified studies reported a pooled rate of RTW of 83% at 1 year, with 36% having taken some sick leave. 18 However, most of these studies were conducted in high-income countries, and AEs were not considered. In addition, many LMICs do not have social safety nets such as disability insurance or sick leave, which results in increased individual economic burdens.…”

Optimizing Surgical Management of Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Comparative Study of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Reduction Techniques

“…The demographic characteristics of the study population revealed a predominance of males in their fourth decade of life, consistent with previous literature indicating a higher prevalence of tibial plateau fractures among males and middle-aged individuals [ 20 ]. Road traffic accidents were identified as the leading cause of injury, highlighting the significant impact of vehicular trauma on musculoskeletal injuries [ 20 , 21 ].…”