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ABSTRACT:
Trauma remains the prime cause of mortality in the first 4 decades of life, most people with traumatic injuries will survive their accident Psychiatric complications of physical injury are a public health concern. Following orthopaedic trauma, recovery depends on the outcome of mental health. Poor mental health, development of symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression and increased substance abuse leads to poor recovery. Present review article has discussed quality of life on patients following orthopaedic trauma with emphasis on the psychological distress.
Key words: Orthopaedic trauma, Post traumatic stress disorder, Pschological distress.
INTROCUCTION:
Although trauma remains the leading cause of mortality in the first 4 decades of life, most people with traumatic injuries will survive their accident. As trauma care has improved substantially during recent decades and has led to higher survival rates1 and there has also been an increasing focus on the patients' perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as an outcome after trauma.2.
Quality of life (QOL) is an important issue for the large number of patients who may need to adapt to severe and chronic disability due to joint stiffness. The loss of mobility in the joints makes patient more dependent on others which affects their quality of life. Any loss of ability to live independently in the community has a considerable detrimental effect on their quality of life. It follows that reduction in the incidence of fractures will not only save lives but will prevent a significant reduction in their quality of life.3
Quality of life measures are instruments that describe how patients who experience chronic conditions perceive the impact of disease. Besides the symptoms as pain, disturbances of sleep, limitation of mobility, there are measured emotional distress and severe restrictions in a multitude day - to - day.4
The prevalence of psychological illness following traumatic injuries varies according to the diagnostic criteria used in studies, the timing of the assessment and definitions of trauma. Estimates of psychological symptoms following musculoskeletal trauma have ranged from 6.5% to 51.0%.5-9
Several studies of patients with orthopedic trauma have focused on measures of functional recovery, complications, mortality and costs. Less attention has been focused on patient psychological status following orthopedic trauma - a common source of patient complaints and a...