This 6 year follow-up study was designed to evaluate the long-term phy
sical, psychological and social outcomes of severely injured patients
(Injury Severity Score of greater than or equal to 16). Patients were
treated at the University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands, between
January 1989 and December 1989. Outcomes were assessed using a postal
questionnaire. After injury, the 55 respondents had predominantly com
plaints of the extremities, the spine and the head. Psychological comp
laints were present in 84 per cent of patients and mainly concerned Jr
?fatigue, slowness and memory impairments. Despite these physical and
psychological complaints, 74 per cent of patients were able to return
to work and the majory succeeded in complying with job requirements. I
njuries of the extremities and the spine were risk factors Jot failing
to return to work. Social consequences were also reflected in broken
marriages (6/22) and changes of leisure activities (45 per cent). Oil
the basis of the impairments and disabilities revealed, we conclude th
at further improvement of the long-tern? outcomes of severely injured
patients may be achieved by advancements in the treatment of injuries
to the head, spine oi extremities, comprehensive psychological support
and vocational rehabilitation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig
hts reserved.