Patients Lost to Follow-Up After Metacarpal Fractures

PurposeTo determine factors associated with non-attendance at scheduled follow-up visits for treatment of metacarpal fractures, to improve subject retention in prospective investigations.MethodsThis study included adult patients with metacarpal fractures seen in an outpatient hand clinic between 2004 and 2009. We assessed a number of variables (demographic, social, and injury-specific) that might be associated with failure to return for follow-up. The statistical analysis included both bivariate and multivariable models.ResultsIn a cohort of 335 patients (228 men and 107 women) with a mean age of 40 years (range, 18–88 y), independent factors associated with non-attendance were unmarried status (single or divorced), having no insurance, having an unemployed or disabled status, having an unknown work status, and having a small finger metacarpal neck fracture.ConclusionsPatients who do not attend a scheduled 1-month follow-up after a single isolated metacarpal fracture are sociologically distinct from those who do attend.Type of study/level of evidencePrognostic IV.