Outcomes in work-related upper extremity and low back injuries: results of a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
The outcomes of treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses are multidimensional and complex, but have rarely been explored in detail. This study was intended to provide information on a sample of workers representing a range of jobs and employers typical of the workers compensation system.


METHODS
A mailed, self-report survey measuring multiple dimensions was conducted. Identified through the New Hampshire Division of Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury database, a sample of workers with injuries to their lower back (60%) or upper extremities (40%) a year prior to the study were surveyed. Response rate was 80% (N=169; upper extremity cases=70; low back cases=99).


RESULTS
Most (82.8%) were working one year post-injury. Over half reported residual effects of the injury on work or activities of daily living. Many working subjects reported persistent injury-related anxiety and pain at the end of the work day, worse in those with low back pain compared to those with upper extremity injuries. Almost 40% of those who returned to work suffered a reinjury. Forty-four percent of respondents suffered significant injury-related financial problems, which were worse in those who had been out of work for longer periods.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational musculoskeletal injuries do result in significant, long-term adverse physical, economic, and psychological consequences, as demonstrated in self-reported surveys.
Pransky
G
G
Center for Disability Research, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Hopkinton, MA 01701, USA. glenn.pransky@libertymutual.com
Benjamin
K
K
Hill-Fotouhi
C
C
Himmelstein
J
J
Fletcher
K E
KE
Katz
J N
JN
Johnson
W G
WG
D000041:Absenteeism; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017281:Cost of Illness; D019992:Databases as Topic; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009513:New Hampshire; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014942:Workers' Compensation