Disability and return to work status due to distal radius fractures: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are a common orthopedic injury that can impact return to work. This study aimed to examine return-to-work outcomes and associated recovery metrics after distal radius fracture.METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 115 patients treated for distal radius fracture. Return-to-work status was assessed at 2 and 6 months. Validated measures of wrist function including patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), Quality of Life (Short Form 12, SF-12), and pain severity were compared based on return to same job, modified duties, or no return to work. Logistic regression identified predictors of successful return to work.RESULTS: The return-to-work rate was 94.8%, with 36.5% returning to their previous job. Returning to previous duties was associated with lower PRWE scores (26.54 vs. 35.34 vs. 50.33), higher SF-12 scores (34.48 vs. 31.12 vs. 24.00), and less pain (4.81 vs. 7.16 vs. 10.50) compared to modified duties and no return to work (all P<0.05). Dominant left-hand injury and shorter unemployment duration predicted return to work (all P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Returning to previous duties after distal radius fracture is associated with better functional and Quality of Life outcomes compared to modified duties or not returning to work. Facilitating timely return to normal occupational activities may optimize fracture recovery.