title: Patients' perceptions of repair, rehabilitation and recovery after major orthopaedic trauma: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The most common major trauma injuries are multiple fractures. Orthopaedic trauma research has traditionally focused on surgical techniques, and the impact of this major life event on the patient is not well understood. This study explored how patients make sense of their rehabilitation and recovery following major orthopaedic trauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample of 15 patients 3 to 6 months after sustaining major orthopaedic injuries, treated at a major trauma centre in England.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recovery after trauma was conceptualised as a journey through repair and rehabilitation to achieve recovery. These phases were represented by three superordinate themes: getting back on your feet, getting the right help to get there, and regaining a sense of normality. Participants considered orthopaedic consultants and physiotherapists to be the primary professionals to provide the tools to enable them to help themselves. Improving physical function helped to restore emotional well-being, with recovery only attained when participants had normalised a new sense of self, and regained confidence or enjoyment in their chosen activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rehabilitation is a complex process of coming to terms with physical and social limitations to normalise a new sense of self. Individuals considered rehabilitation to be their responsibility; however, they needed expert help to know what to do. Physiotherapists were key to getting people back on their feet, and by facilitating physical recovery, physiotherapists were able to have a positive impact on emotional well-being.
authors: Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Electronic address: jacquelineclark@nhs.net.
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Claydon
authors: Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Robinson
authors: Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors: S E
authors: SE
authors: Aldridge
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D000069076:Fractures, Multiple / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D000072161:Orthopedic Surgeons; D010465:Perception; D059825:Physical Therapists; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014193:Trauma Centers
keywords: Fracture; Orthopaedics; Physiotherapy; Psychology; Rehabilitation; Trauma