職醫與工衛所Du, Chung-LiChung-LiDu2008-10-062018-06-292008-10-062018-06-292007http://ntur.lib.ntu.edu.tw//handle/246246/82104Background/Purpose: Occupational injury of the upper extremities account for 24% of occupational injuries in Taiwan. However, studies on the timing and factors influencing return-to-work is lacking. Methods: A total of 102 hospitalized workers with non-severe upper extremity fractures, defined as without avulsion, amputation and nerve damage, were interviewed over the telephone using a structured questionnaire at 45, 90 and 180 days after injury . Results: After controlling other factors, cases with other -than-digit fracture presented three-fold more difficulty than those with digit fracture on returning to work (OR, 0. 32; 95% Cl, 0.17-0.63). Mate workers (OR, 2.701- 95% Cl, 1. 16-6.25) and those with financial help from their employer ( OR, 2.32; 95% Cl, 1.17-4.60) found it easier to return to work 90 days after injury. There were 32% who were still unable to return to work 180 days after injury. Conclusion: Women workers and workers without financial help from employers are at a disadvantage with regard to early return- to-work. Other assistance besides medical treatment could be of significant help but should be cautiously exercised in extrapolating to workers who are not the main breadwinner in their household.en-USemployeroccupational injuryreturn to workupper extremity fracturejournal article