Predictive factors for return to work or study and satisfaction in traumatic brachial plexus injury individuals undergoing rehabilitation: A retrospective follow-up study of 101 cases.

BACKGROUND: An important focus of rehabilitation is thereturn to the meningful occupations which may include work and school activities. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate predictive factors for return to work/study in traumatic brachial plexus injury patients undergoing rehabilitation and to investigate the level of satisfaction with treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study with at least 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: One hundred and one individuals with traumatic brachial plexus injury enrolled in this study. Primary outcomes were return to work/study and satisfaction with treatment. A secondary outcome was the self-perception of what influenced return to work. Sociodemographic and related to injury data, rehabilitation interventions, muscle strength, and disability were analyzed as predictors. Associations were investigated using univariable and discriminant analysis and considered a level of significance of P < .05. RESULTS: Return to work/study occurred in 55% of the patients who participated in this study. Muscle strength discerned those who returned to work. Time interval between trauma and surgery and age were lower in those who returned to work. Thirty-one patients answered the question regarding self-perception of what influenced return to work. They indicated "necessity", "rehabilitation", "my desire" and "not become depressed". Satisfaction was graded between 8.9 and 9.5 in 95% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Return to work/study was related to muscle strength improvement and those who returned were younger and had less time elapsed from trauma. Individual factors and rehabilitation were pointed out as helpful in aiding return to work. Satisfaction with treatment was high. These findings can help to optimize goals in the rehabilitation environment.