Multidisciplinary team intervention enhances comprehensive recovery in adolescents aged 14–18 years with limb or pelvic fractures

To evaluate the effects of multidisciplinary team (MDT) intervention on perioperative management, functional recovery, and psychological well-being in adolescents aged 14-18 years with limb or pelvic fractures. One hundred adolescents aged 14-18 years with limb or pelvic fractures, admitted between January 2018 and December 2023, were retrospectively divided into an MDT group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50) according to whether they received MDT intervention. The MDT group received comprehensive perioperative management involving orthopedics, emergency, anesthesiology, rehabilitation, pediatrics, psychology, and surgical intensive care; the control group received standard perioperative management. Perioperative outcomes, pain scores, functional recovery, and psychological status were compared at predetermined time points. The MDT group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative pain scores than the control group (P < 0.05). Functional recovery was assessed using the short musculoskeletal function assessment (SMFA) and the CORE-Kids simplified score (CKSS), a 0-9 binary scale developed with reference to the CORE-Kids core outcome set. At 3 and 6 months, the MDT group showed significantly better SMFA and CKSS scores (P < 0.05). At 12 months, no significant differences were observed. The MDT group also had significantly lower hospital anxiety and depression scale anxiety and depression scores on postoperative day 3 and at 12 months (P < 0.05). MDT intervention improves perioperative pain control, promotes functional recovery, and enhances psychological well-being in adolescents with limb or pelvic fractures and may facilitate earlier return to daily life and school.