Recidivism after orthopaedic trauma has diminished over time.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to analyze our trauma population during two periods to assess for predictors of recidivism.

METHODS: Prior (2007-2011, n = 879) and recent (2014-2019, n = 954) orthopaedic trauma patients were reviewed. Recidivists were those returning with an unrelated injury. Recidivism rates were compared, and factors associated with recidivism were identified.

RESULTS: Recidivism decreased: 18.7% to 14.3% (p = 0.01). Mean age and sex of the two cohorts were not different. Recent recidivists were more likely to sustain gunshot wound (GSW) injuries (22.1% vs 18.9%, p = 0.09), and mental illness was more common (56.6% vs 28.1%, p < 0.0001). The recent recidivist population was less often married (12.9% vs 23.8%, p = 0.03), and both recidivist groups were often underinsured (Medicaid or uninsured: (60.6% vs 67.0%)).

CONCLUSION: Recidivism diminished, although more GSW and mental illness were seen. Recidivists are likely to be underinsured. The changing profile of recidivists may be attributed to socioeconomic trends and new programs to improve outcomes after trauma.