Functional Outcome Assessment in Patients with Pelvic Fracture after Lushan Earthquake: a Pilot Study usingICF-based Tool

Objective The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the functional outcome of patients with pelvic fracture after Lushan earthquake using a newly developed tool based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods Ten patients diagnosed as pelvic fracture were recruited in this study from April 20th to 30th, 2013 in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Data were collected using the international comprehensive version of ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Descriptive statistics analysis were used. Results Pelvic fracture caused by Lushan earthquake lead to a series of severe injuries complicated with multiple organ dysfunction. In the assessment of body functions, almost all the patients with pelvic fracture showed impairments including energy and drive, sleep, sensation of pain, mobility and repair function of skin. In the assessment of body structures, the damages were mainly distributed in pelvic region, lower extremity, trunk as well as areas of skin. In the assessment of activities and participations, limitations and restrictions were related to changing and maintaining basic body position, transferring, walking andself-care. Conclusion ICF Core Set could provide a comprehensive, systematic and evidence-based assessments from the perspective of body function, body structure as well as activities and participations for patients with pelvic fracture after Lushan earthquake. Future study with large sample size is needed to validate the assessment of ICF Core Set for patients with musculoskeletal injuries after earthquake and other natural disasters.