# What is the level of work and societal participation in patients with pelvic ring injuries? A two-year prospective cohort study

## TL;DR

Pelvic ring injuries significantly affect work and social participation, but most patients recover much of their pre-injury function within two years.

## Contribution

This study provides longitudinal data on work and societal participation recovery in patients with pelvic ring injuries.

## Key findings

- Median scores for work/school activities and societal participation dropped after injury but improved to 75 at two years.
- Non-recovered patients decreased from 45% to 35% for work/school and 34% to 18% for societal participation over two years.
- Patients struggled with efficiency and time management related to their injuries during recovery.

## Abstract

To provide insight into the impact of pelvic ring injuries on patients’ work and school activities and participation in society.

Prospective-cohort study.

A level-1 trauma center in the Netherlands.

195 patients with a pelvic ring injury.

The work or school activities and participation in society domains of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Score II (WHO-DAS II) were administered at admission (pre-injury score), 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years following the injury.

Before the injury, the median scores were 80 for both work or school activities and participation in society. The scores 3 months after the injury were 40 and 60, respectively, but both improved to 75 after 2 years. The percentage of non-recovered patients decreased over time, from 45% to 35% for work or school activities and from 34% to 18% for participation in society between 6 months and 2 years. At work or school, patients struggled to complete daily tasks and important activities as efficiently and effectively as needed. Regarding participation in society, patients struggled with the amount of time spent managing their injuries, joining community activities, and doing things for relaxation. No relationships between patients or injury characteristics and recovery were identified one year following the injury.

Pelvic ring injuries greatly impact patients’ work or school activities and participation in society. However, these domains greatly improve within the first two years, with many individuals regaining their pre-injury capabilities. Still, some continue to experience long-term difficulties in participation.