A Qualitative Inquiry Exploring Recovery From Lower Extremity Fractures

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lower extremity fractures (LEFs) impose a significant functional and psychosocial burden on patients. Understanding the lived experiences and identifying critical aspects during recovery is vital to support patient-centered rehabilitation models and establish meaningful assessment criteria for post-discharge recovery. This study explored patients’ recovery experiences from LEF following inpatient rehabilitation and examined what patients consider important when evaluating their recovery progress. Methods: A qualitative explorative study design was employed to capture the lived experiences of Nigerian patients with LEF during their recovery journey. Audio-recorded, open-ended, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone to explore patients’ experiences comprehensively. A purposive sample of LEF patients was interviewed until data saturation was reached. The ATLAS.ti, software, version 24 package was utilized to organize, store, and retrieve data, which was subsequently analyzed using inductive thematic data analysis. Results: Ten patients shared their profound, often emotionally challenging experiences of recovery from LEF. Five comprehensive themes emerged related to personal experiences during recovery: physical impact, social impact, occupational impact, financial and psychological impact, and evaluating recovery. This study illuminates the multifaceted recovery journey from LEFs, revealing the complex interplay between physical pain, emotional distress, social disruption, and the persistent pursuit of normalcy. Through their shared narratives, participants provided invaluable insights into the challenges and aspirations of navigating life after a significant lower-extremity injury. Conclusion: The lived experience of patients following LEFs is characterized by significant mobility limitations, impaired functional capacity affecting daily activities and return to work, participation restrictions, and substantial psychological consequences.