Work Productivity Loss After Minimally Displaced Complete Lateral Compression Pelvis Fractures

Abstract

Objective: To quantify work impairment and economic losses due to lost employment, lost work time (absenteeism), and lost productivity while working (presenteeism) after a lateral compression pelvic ring fracture. Secondarily, productivity loss of patients treated with surgical fixation versus nonoperative management was compared.

Design: Secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter trial.

Setting: Two level I academic trauma centers.

Patient selection criteria: Adult patients with a lateral compression pelvic fracture (OTA/AO 61-B1/B2) with a complete posterior pelvic ring fracture and less than 10 mm of initial displacement. Excluded were patients who were not working or non-ambulatory before their pelvis fracture or who had a concomitant spinal cord injury.

Outcome measures and comparisons: Work impairment, including hours lost to unemployment, absenteeism, and presenteeism, measured by Work Productivity and Activity Impairment assessments in the year after injury. Results after non-operative and operative treatment were compared.

Results: Of the 64 included patients, forty-seven percent (30/64) were treated with surgical fixation, and 53% (30/64) with nonoperative management. 63% returned to work within 1 year of injury. Workers lost an average of 67% of a 2080-hour average work year, corresponding with $56,276 in lost economic productivity. Of the 1395 total hours lost, 87% was due to unemployment, 3% to absenteeism, and 10% to presenteeism. Surgical fixation was associated with 27% fewer lost hours (1155 vs. 1583, P = 0.005) and prevented $17,266 in average lost economic productivity per patient compared with nonoperative management.

Conclusions: Lateral compression pelvic fractures are associated with a substantial economic impact on patients and society. Surgical fixation reduces work impairment and the corresponding economic burden.