Investigation of postoperative long-term functional outcomes, kinesiophobia and quality of life in adults with internal fixation surgery due to femoral shaft fracture

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes, kinesiophobia and quality of life in adults who underwent surgery with internal fixation (IF) due to femoral shaft fracture (FSF) with an average postoperative period of 2.5 years in comparison to healthy peers. In the study, 20 adults with IF surgery aged between 18-55 years participated as FSF group (mean age: 39.55±11.92 years) and 20 healthy individuals (mean age: 42.75±8.83 years) as the control group. The functional outcomes of the individuals were evaluated by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Stair Climb Test (SCT). The physical activity levels were evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Kinesophobia was assessed with the Tampa Scale of Kinesophobia (TSK) and health-related quality of life was assessed with EuroQol Life Scale (EQ-5D). In terms of functional outcomes, the mean of HHS were significantly lower (p<0.001) and SCT results were significantly longer (p<0.001) in FSF group compared to control group. FSF group had significantly lower scores in terms of physical activity (p=0.04). FSF group had higher level kinesiophobia based on the TSK results than control group. Quality of life scores of FSF group were also significantly lower than control group (p<0.001). In conclusion, a high level kinesiophobia was observed along with the disabilities in the functions, physical activity, and quality of life in long-term following IF surgery in adults with FSF. In the light of these results, we suggest that the long-term assessment of the functional outcomes, kinesiophobia, and quality of life following IF surgery is necessary as a guide in order to plan appropriate rehabilitation programs according to patients' specific needs.