Long-term physical, psychological and social consequences of severe injuries

This 6 year follow-up study was designed to evaluate the long-term physical, psychological and social outcomes of severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score of greater than or equal to 16). Patients were treated at the University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands, between January 1989 and December 1989. Outcomes were assessed using a postal questionnaire. After injury, the 55 respondents had predominantly complaints of the extremities, the spine and the head. Psychological complaints were present in 84 per cent of patients and mainly concerned Jr?fatigue, slowness and memory impairments. Despite these physical and psychological complaints, 74 per cent of patients were able to return to work and the majory succeeded in complying with job requirements. Injuries of the extremities and the spine were risk factors Jot failing to return to work. Social consequences were also reflected in broken marriages (6/22) and changes of leisure activities (45 per cent). Oil the basis of the impairments and disabilities revealed, we conclude that further improvement of the long-tern? outcomes of severely injured patients may be achieved by advancements in the treatment of injuries to the head, spine oi extremities, comprehensive psychological support and vocational rehabilitation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved