Treatment Outcome of Open Tibial Shaft Fractures in A Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Objective of this prospective study is to report results of treatment of open tibia fractures in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra Ghana.Patients and Methods: In this prospective study 47 patients were considered over a 6-month period from February 2012 to July 2012, and each patient was however followed up for at least 3 months. Treatment of these fractures was guided by the unit protocol.Results: Out of the 47 patients, 35 (74%) had a good outcome and 12 (26%) had complications.Conclusion: The results of treatment of open fracture of tibia in this study are encouraging (with 74% of patients having a good outcome). Considering that three decades ago an open fracture of the tibia in Ghana had the common fate of surgical Amputation, Sepsis and Death. Further improvements in treatment of these fractures with early antibiotics, Debridement and irrigation andmodern stabilization methods are recommended.