Optimising the utility of patient-reported outcome measurements during recovery after orthopaedic extremity fractures: protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study

Introduction Recovery after extremity fracture is influenced by injury-related impairments, functional capacity, symptom severity and psychosocial well-being, emphasising the need for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Despite increasing adoption of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and legacy PROMs in orthopaedic research, substantial knowledge gaps remain regarding their measurement properties, comparability and clinical utility, particularly in fracture populations.

Our aim is to develop meaningful guidance to clinicians regarding the use of PROMs in treating orthopaedic fracture patients. Methods A prospective cohort of 1500 patients across 14 centres presenting with isolated extremity fractures being treated operatively or non-operatively will be recruited prospectively.

We will aim to recruit 300 patients for each of five fracture types: isolated hip, tibial shaft, ankle/pilon, proximal humerus and distal radius fracture. All procedures and management will be performed according to the site's standard of care and treatment protocol.

For patients treated non-operatively, the index visit (first study assessment) will be performed at the first orthopaedic treatment encounter (eg, emergency department visit or outpatient fracture clinic).