Restrictions in Quality of Life after Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fracture. A retrospective follow-up study of 223 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long term outcome after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture.
DESIGN: Retrospective, Cross sectional study.
SETTING: Level I, Trauma Center.
METHODS: Retrospective review of 294 patients treated with intramedullary nailing after tibial shaft fracture from 1998-2008. The participants completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and these data were compared with published reference population.
INTERVENTION: Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: KOOS RESULTS:A total of 223 patients agreed to participate (76%). Mean time of follow-up was 7.9 years. Compared to reference population, the study group reported 44% higher incidence of knee pain, 39% higher incidence of ADL limitations, 58% higher incidence of limitations in QOL and 60% higher incidence of limitations during sports activities. Comparison of age related differences between the study group and reference population showed that the age group 18-34 years reported the most difficulties.
CONCLUSION::Compared with a reference population, 60% of the patients experienced limitations in activity and restrictions in QOL and 44% reported knee pain. This was mainly evident among the young participants.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE::Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.