Functional outcome and health status of injured patients with peripheral nerve lesions

Abstract Background Peripheral nerve lesions (PNLs) can complicate the clinical course and outcome of multiply injured patients. Since this often impedes recovery, it can be a significant burden for both patients and clinicians. The objective of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcome and health status of patients with PNL. Subjects and methods Multiply injured patients admitted to an intensive rehabilitation setting were identified. The Barthel and modified Rankin scales (mRS) were administered to all patients at admission, discharge and follow-up. The short form (SF)-36 questionnaire was used at follow-up (mean: 25.3 ± 6.5 months). Results Seventy-seven multiply injured patients were identified, and 45 (22 male, 23 female; mean age: 59.7 ± 21.7 years; range: 19–83 years) were enrolled. Of the injured patients, 22 subjects (10 male and 12 female) had no PNL, while 23 (12 male, 11 female) did. In the PLN group, the mean Barthel scores at admission, discharge and follow-up, respectively, were 33.4 ± 17.9, 85.3 ± 3.8 and 93.0 ± 6.9 ( p p . The SF-36 did not show significant differences between the groups, but the patients with and without PNL reported significant lower mean scores on all items compared to national population norms. Conclusion Multiply injured patients with and without PNL showed significant improvement and a good long-term outcome after rehabilitation. However, those with PNL had a longer hospital stay and needed more rehabilitation than patients without PNL. Both the groups of patients experienced significant difficulties in the health status.