Open Tibial Fractures Research Articles

Tibial Malalignment is an Independent Predictor of Nonunion After Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between postoperative alignment and nonunion in patients with tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Single academic trauma center. Adult patients with closed or open tibial shaft fractures (42A-C) treated with intramedullary nailing from 2007 to 2018. Case patients with nonunion were compared to control patients with radiographic evidence of healing in terms of the postoperative tibial alignment measured in the coronal and sagittal planes. Of the 192 included patients (median age, 38 years; 76% male), 51 patients had a nonunion, and 141 patients had united fractures and served as the control group. A strong association between postoperative tibial malalignment in one plane and nonunion (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 8.3; P = 0.03) was demonstrated. This association was even greater for malalignment in both coronal and sagittal planes (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.1 to 16.1; P < 0.001) after controlling for confounders. After controlling for confounding factors, postoperative malalignment in the coronal or sagittal plane was associated with significantly increased odds of tibial shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing. Therapeutic, Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

External fixation followed by cast immobilization in the management of gustilo-anderson iiia and iiib open tibial fractures

External fixation followed by cast immobilization in the management of gustilo-anderson iiia and iiib open tibial fractures

Effectiveness of Soleus Muscle Flap for The Coverage of Wound in Open Tibia Fracture in The Mid Shaft

Introduction: An open fracture of the tibia has been one of the most common long bone injuries. Soleus muscle flap supply can be a remedy for this kind of soft tissue difficulties. The soleus muscle flap’s blood supply may help in the construction of a longer, safer, and more functional flap. When the incision is clinically fit for covering, the flaps from the same leg are elevated between 0 and 14 days following the damage. In the majority of these cases, the flaps are covered with a split-thickness skin graft taken from the anterior aspect of the thigh in the same sitting. This can be a great solution. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of soleus muscle flap for the coverage of wound in open tibia fracture in the mid shaft. Methods: This prospective interventional study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of early coverage using the soleus muscle flap in the management of Gustilo type-IIIB fractures of the mid-shaft tibia. The study followed a quasi-experimental design and was conducted over an 18-month period from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011. The research took place in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka. The study population included all 15 patients admitted to the hospitals with clinical and radiological evidence of open Gustilo type-IIIB fractures of the mid-shaft tibia followed by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was taken before data collection and confidentiality was maintained. The analysis was done by SPSS version 15. Result: Among 15 patients most (12) were male, 3 were female. Mean age was 38 ± 12 years. Majority were in 31-45 years. Male female ratio was 4:1. The selected study subjects were predominantly motor driver (26.66%), followed by day labor, housewife, service holder, farmer, and businessman (each was-13.33%), and student was 6.66%. ...

Macrophage-derived amphiregulin promoted the osteogenic differentiation of chondrocytes through EGFR/Yap axis and TGF-β activation

Endochondral ossification represents a crucial biological process in skeletal development and bone defect repair. Macrophages, recognized as key players in the immune system, are now acknowledged for their substantial role in promoting endochondral ossification within cartilage. Concurrently, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand amphiregulin (Areg) has been documented for its contributory role in restoring bone tissue homeostasis post-injury. However, the mechanism by which macrophage-secreted Areg facilitates bone repair remains elusive. In this study, the induction of macrophage depletion through in vivo administration of clodronate liposomes was employed in a standard open tibial fracture mouse model to assess bone healing using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis, histomorphology, and ELISA serum evaluations. The investigation revealed sustained expression of Areg during the fracture healing period in wild-type mice. Macrophage depletion significantly reduced the number of macrophages on the local bone surface and vital organs. This reduction led to diminished Areg secretion, decreased collagen production, and delayed fracture healing. However, histological and micro-CT assessments at 7 and 21 days post-local Areg treatment exhibited a marked improvement of bone healing compared to the vehicle control. In vitro studies demonstrated an increase of Areg secretion by the Raw264.7 cells upon ATP stimulation. Indirect co-culture of Raw264.7 and ATDC5 cells indicated that Areg overexpression enhanced the osteogenic potential of chondrocytes, and vice versa. This osteogenic promotion was attributed to Areg's activation of the membrane receptor EGFR in the ATDC5 cell line, the enhanced phosphorylation of transcription factor Yap, and the facilitation of the expression of bioactive TGF-β by chondrocytes. Collectively, this research elucidates the direct mechanistic effects of macrophage-secreted Areg in promoting bone homeostasis following bone injury.

Management of Pediatric Type III Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Cohort Study Utilizing the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Database.

Pediatric open tibial fractures represent a challenging subset of injuries with limited literature to guide management. For children, the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of tibial-shaft fractures have not been fully described. A retrospective analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Data Bank from 2017-2020 was used to query demographics, injury patterns, and management strategies in pediatric open tibial fractures. Fractures were compared by age group (0-5, 6-12, 13-17 years) and type (I/II vs type III). A subgroup analysis was performed on patients with type III open fractures. A total of 3480 open tibial fractures were identified, 3049 were type I/II, and 431 were type III. Motor vehicle accidents (48%) were the most common mechanism of injury (P < 0.001). Subanalysis of 128 type IIIb/c tibial fractures revealed local flap reconstruction (25%) skin graft (25%), and free tissue transfer were the most common management strategies and soft-tissue coverage was achieved after 162 hours (interquartile range = 109-231). Negative pressure wound therapy was utilized in 63% of cases but used in isolation in only 23% of cases. Immediate fixation with intramedullary nailing was more frequently used in the 13-17 age group while plate fixation was more commonly used in younger age groups. Soft-tissue management patterns following open tibial shaft fractures mirror those seen in adult cohorts. The median time to achieve soft-tissue coverage exceeds the traditional 72-hour target advocated by Godina. Age-based variation is seen in orthopedic management of these fractures based on growth maintenance concerns.

A Comparison of Honey and Standard Dressings on Microorganisms in Open Tibia Fractures

A Comparison of Honey and Standard Dressings on Microorganisms in Open Tibia Fractures

Usefulness of Platelet-rich Fibrin in Open Fractures of Tibia: A Randomised Comparative Pilot Study

Background and Aims: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), rich in growth factors and cytokines, found useful for bone healing in animal studies, has paucity of literature on open fractures in humans. This randomised comparative interventional study aimed to find out the role of PRF in wound healing and fracture union in open fractures of tibia. Material and Methods: Random computerised allocation of 14 open tibial shaft fractures managed with an external fixator were done into PRF and non-PRF groups. Autologous PRF injected at fracture site, with PRF gel over open wounds in the PRF group, was compared with conventional standard treatment in the non-PRF group. Wound assessment on day 3, day 7 and weekly till complete wound healing and radiographs for fracture union at 3, 6, and 12 months were done in both groups. The statistical analysis was done using an unpaired t-test (wound size assessment) and chi-squared test (fracture union), using SPSS version 25. Results: Fractures union in PRF group 7/8 (87.5%) was better than 3/6 (50%) in non-PRF group. External fixators were removed 4 weeks earlier in PRF group. Wound healing time, though not statistically significant, was faster in PRF group (36.25±3.03 days) compared to non-PRF (42±7 days), even with larger wound size in PRF group (7.87±1.43 cm 2 ) than non-PRF group (7.5±1.5 cm 2 ). Conclusions: Results of injectable PRF at fracture site and PRF gel over the wound are encouraging, found to be safe, with faster wound healing and better fracture union in the small sample size of this pilot study.

Identifying Improvements in Treating Extremity Musculoskeletal Injuries During Prolonged Care.

In prolonged care scenarios, where medical evacuations are significantly delayed, the treatment and transport of casualties with extremity musculoskeletal injuries will drain combat units' human resources. Developing enhanced splinting techniques to restore casualty mobility and function can alleviate this drain. To guide this development, a panel of tactical combat and wilderness medicine experts was assembled to determine which extremity musculoskeletal injuries had the greatest impact on unit capabilities, and the materials available for splinting these injuries. Unstructured consultations with panel members yielded preliminary lists of injuries and materials. These lists were consolidated and redistributed to panel members for final evaluation where they ranked the injuries based on frequency and human resource cost and assessed the accessibility of materials. Responses for the final evaluation were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Placket Luce models. Aggregated responses indicated that panel members thought that knee and ankle ligamentous injuries and radial head fractures were the most frequently occurring injuries, although closed distal femoral fractures, below knee amputations, and open tibia fractures would require the most demand for injury care. Assessing the combined impact of frequency and human resource cost indicated that knee and ankle ligamentous injuries and closed tibia fractures had the greatest impact on unit readiness. Responses also indicated that a variety of materials would be available for applying or improvising splints. Although the combined impact of knee and ankle ligamentous injuries were ranked the highest, limitations in relative rankings and the existence of effective low-cost treatments for these injuries suggest that greater gains in unit effectiveness would come from focusing on developing solutions for fractures with higher human resource cost, such as leg and arm fractures. This information can be used to develop enhanced splints that can preserve unit readiness in the field.

Association of sociodemographic characteristics with the timeliness of surgery for patients with open tibial fractures

BackgroundThe American College of Surgeons recommends operative debridement of open tibial fractures within 24 h of presentation. It is unknown what the compliance rates are with this recommendation and what factors contribute to delays to operation. MethodsTo determine the characteristics associated with delays to operation for open tibial fractures, we conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2017 to 2021. Individuals aged 18 and older presenting to a trauma center with an open tibial fracture were included. Associations were determined with a hierarchal regression model nesting patients within facilities. ResultsOf the 24,102 patients presenting to 491 trauma centers, 66.3 % identified as White, 21.7 % as Black, 1.5 % as Asian, 1.1 % as American Indian, and 10.6 % as Other race. In total, 15.8 % identified as Hispanic. Patients were most often men (75.9 %) and privately insured (47.6 %). The median time to OR was 10.2 h (IQR 4.4–17.7) with 84.6 % receiving surgery within 24 h. In adjusted analyses, Black and American Indian patients had 5.5 % (CI 1.3 %-9.9 %) and 17.8 % (CI 2.2 %-35.8 %) longer wait times, respectively, and a decreased odds of receiving surgery within 24 h (AOR 0.85, CI 0.8–0.9; AOR 0.69, CI 0.5–0.9) when compared to White patients. Female patients had 6.5 % (CI 3.0 %-10.2 %) longer wait times than men. Patients with Medicaid had 5.5 % (CI 1.2 %-9.9 %) longer wait times than those with private insurance. Greater time to OR was associated with increasing age (p < 0.001), increasing injury severity (p < 0.001), and the presence of altered mentation (p < 0.001). ConclusionWe identified longer wait times to operative irrigation and debridement of open tibial fractures for Black and American Indian patients, women, and those with Medicaid. The implementation of health equity focused quality metrics may be necessary to achieve equity in trauma care.

Early experience using vacuum-assisted closure for managing soft tissue injuries in open type IIIB tibial fractures, a non-randomised controlled trial from a North African level one trauma centre

Purpose: The primary objective was to investigate our early results of using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for wound management in patients with open IIIB tibial fractures and compare the results with a group subjected to conventional daily dressing. Methods: A prospective non-randomised clinical trial (NRCT) with a parallel design and allocation ratio of 1:1 was conducted after obtaining ethical committee approval. Forty skeletally mature patients with unilateral type IIIB open tibia fractures were included over two years, starting from April 2019. In group A, patients were treated with VAC, which was changed every four days if needed, and in group B, patients had daily conventional dressings. Results: Both groups had no differences in the basic demographic, comorbidities, injury mechanism, and associated injuries. The need for secondary debridement surgeries was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B, 1 ± 0.50 versus 2.50 ± 0.85, respectively ( P &lt; 0.001). The time till definitive coverage was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B, 12.22 ± 2.90 versus 23.56 ± 8.68 (days); P &lt; 0.001. All coverage procedures succeeded in Group A, while four (20%) failed in Group B, P = 0.04. Infection was higher in Group B, with six (30%) patients compared to one (5%) in Group A, P = 0.01. Conclusion: Reports on VAC's role in managing severe open fracture wounds are rare in our area, and the initial results we obtained are encouraging, with lower infection rates and less cumbersome reconstruction procedures; however, further evaluation of the procedure's cost-effectiveness is mandatory.

Predictors of quality of life, economic impact, and loss to follow-up after open tibial shaft fractures in Ghana.

Open tibia fractures are associated with substantial morbidity and impact on quality of life. Despite increasing incidence in low-resource settings, most open tibia fracture research comes from high-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the impact of socioeconomic status on treatment modality and evaluate predictors of health-related quality of life following open tibia fractures in Ghana. A single-center prospective observational study was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana, from May 2020 to April 2022. Adults with open tibial shaft fractures presenting within 2 weeks of injury were eligible. Demographics, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and hospital course were collected at enrollment. Follow-up was scheduled at 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. A telephone survey assessing reasons for loss to follow-up was initiated on enrollment completion. A total of 180 patients were enrolled. Most patients were employed before injury (79.9%), had government insurance (67.2%), and were from rural areas (59.4%). Fracture classification was primarily Gustilo-Anderson type 3A (49.1%). No relationship between socioeconomic predictors and treatment modality was identified. The largest barriers to follow-up were preference for bonesetter treatment (63.1%), treatment cost (48.8%), and travel cost (29.8%). Of the lost to follow-up patients contacted, 67 (79.8%) reported receiving traditional bonesetter care. Reasons for seeking traditional bonesetter care included ease of access (83.6%), lower cost (77.6%), and familial influence (50.7%). No association was identified between socioeconomic predictors and choice of treatment. Bonesetter treatment plays a substantial role in the care of open tibia fractures in Ghana, largely because of ease of access and lower cost.

Changing trends in injury patterns of undocumented migrants along the Hungarian–Serbian border from 2018 to 2022

ObjectiveThe Traumatology Clinic of the University of Szeged is a level one Trauma center situated near the Hungarian - Serbian border, where a 4 m tall fence constructed in 2018 serves as a barricade leading to numerous trauma cases. The objective of this study is to characterize the epidemiology of injuries, challenges, and recent trends whilst treating these undocumented migrants in Hungary. Materials and methodsA national retrospective mono-centrical study was performed, examining 982 patients who were admitted to the emergency trauma center in the University of Szeged between January 2018 and December 2022, using data from our electronic administrative system (eMedSol). Factors such as basic epidemiology, country of origin, fractures- according to the AO classification- and its respective treatments, mechanism of injury, duration of stay, and costs were assessed to set as a basis for prediction using a regression model. ResultsA total of 982 patients from 2018 to 2022 were included in the study. Patterns of injury included calcaneal fractures in 2018 and 2019 whereas in 2021 and 2022 along with the exponential increase in patient number, bilateral calcaneal fractures, open and multi-fragmentary tibial fractures were also observed. Additionally, seasonal variations, favoring the months of September through November were observed. Treatment cost ratios, especially surgeries, have also been consistent with the pattern of proximalizing injuries; more proximal surgeries indicate higher surgical costs which is evidently visible in the significantly higher cost ratio dedicated to surgery in 2022. ConclusionWhile migration seems to be a global problem affecting governments and citizens alike, rarely do we understand the direct consequences of illegal migration affecting healthcare services. Hungary in particular created a 4 m tall wall between Serbia in 2019 with means of preventing illegal migration, which in turn led to gradual and later an exponential increase in the number of injured patients particularly in the years 2021 and 2022. Undocumented migrant cases have increased exponentially between 2018 and 2022, with certain patterns seen not only in the injury types but also in seasonal variations and cost expectations. Injuries have been showing a trend of proximalization and have been of more serious quality, including bilateral and/or open injuries. Revisions after surgery were virtually impossible due to the discharging of patients back to border control after their definitive treatment. The need for adequate quality surgical care, manpower and financial aid should be considered.

Retraction Note: Management of bone loss in acute severe open tibial fractures: a retrospective study of twenty nine cases-a treatment strategy with bone length preservation.

Retraction Note: Management of bone loss in acute severe open tibial fractures: a retrospective study of twenty nine cases-a treatment strategy with bone length preservation.

Is the Orthopaedic Trauma Association-Open Fracture Classification (OTA-OFC) Better than the Gustilo-Anderson Classification at Predicting Fracture-Related Infections in the Tibia?

To investigate and compare the predictive ability of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Open Fracture Classification (OTA-OFC) and the Gustilo-Anderson classification systems for fracture-related infections (FRI) in patients with open tibia fractures. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Academic trauma center. Patients aged 16 years or older with an operatively treated open tibia fracture (OTA-OTA 41, 42, and 43) between 2010 and 2021. The primary outcome was FRI. The OTA-OFC and the Gustilo-Anderson classifications were compared in their ability to predict FRI. 890 patients (mean age, 43 years [range, 17 to 96]; 75% male) with 912 open tibia fractures were included. 142 (16%) had an infection. The OTA-OFC was not significantly better at predicting FRI than the Gustilo-Anderson classification (area under the curve, 0.66 vs. 0.66; P = 0.89). The Gustilo-Anderson classification was a stronger predictor of FRI than any single OTA-OFC domain, explaining 72% of FRI variance. Only the addition of the OTA-OFC wound contamination domain to Gustilo-Anderson significantly increased the variance explained (72% vs. 84%, P = 0.04). Embedded contamination increased the risk of FRI by approximately 10% as the risk of FRI with embedded contamination was 16% for Type I or IIs, 26% for Type IIIAs, 45% for Type IIIBs, and 46% for Type IIICs. The more complex OTA-OFC system was not better than the Gustilo-Anderson classification system in predicting FRIs in patients with open tibia fractures. Adding embedded wound contamination to the Gustilo-Anderson classification system significantly improved its prognostic ability. Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of Diaphyseal Tibial Non-unions After Open Fracture: A Retrospective Observational Study on Characteristics and Outcomes

Abstract Purpose Non-union is a significant complication following open diaphyseal tibia fractures. Management can be complex and unpredictable. Several principles must be addressed often in combination to achieve union. The aim of this study is to report on the characteristics, management and eventual outcome of non-united open tibial fractures over a 12-year period from a level I trauma centre. Methods This is a retrospective observational study of all adults (age 18 years and older) presenting to a level 1 trauma centre with a diaphyseal tibia fracture. Non-union was diagnosed using the standard FDA definition of incomplete union by 9 months or no progress to union in the preceding 3 months. Injury and patient demographics in addition to all interventions and complications were recorded for each patient. Results Forty three cases of diaphyseal non-union were identified from 2008 to 2019. Only the presence of peripheral vascular disease demonstrated a statistically significant association with the development of non-union. In 44% of cases, more than one additional operation was required to achieve union. Successful union was achieved in 90% of cases with 74% of patients returning to full pre-injury function without complication. Conclusion Management of non-union is a complex problem which requires a multifaceted and bespoke approach. We have included an algorithm to help guide decision making based on our institutional experience. A satisfactory result is achievable in the majority of patients.

Management of Open Tibia Shaft Fractures in Ghana: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Objective To evaluate patient and injury characteristics and functional outcomes of open tibial shaft fractures among patients treated at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Methods We recruited consenting patients with open tibial shaft fractures over a 3-month period and followed-up each participant for at least 2 years. The functional status of each enrolled patient was assessed at 2 years following injury, using Short Form 36. Results Over the 3-month inclusive period of the study, a total of 55 open fractures of the tibia and fibula diaphysis were recorded in 55 patients. Most (52.7%) had Gustillo-Anderson grade III injury. External fixation was the mode of stabilisation (65.5%) At 2 years, 51.9% (28 of 54) had excellent functional outcome. In total, 52.7% of the participants were able to use the affected limb as before the injury, and 92.6% (50 of 54) had returned to their previous work. Conclusion The outcome of open tibial shaft fractures at the study site is good-to-excellent in most (92.6%) patients, with a return-to-previous occupation rate of 92.6%. Gustillo-Anderson grade III injury was the most predominant (52.7%) and sub-type IIIB, the most common among the grade III injuries. External fixation was the most common mode of stabilization of open tibial diaphyseal fractures.

External Fixation of Tibial Shaft Fractures in Cameroon-Central Africa

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Open Tibial Shaft Fractures (TSF) are the most commonly encountered injury type in Cameroon. External fixation, relatively unfamiliar in Cameroon, helps prevent its complications. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objectives:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment of TSF using external fixation in Cameroon. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Materials and Methods:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Patients operated at Laquintinie and Edea Regional Hospital (ERH) with an external fixator (EF) for TSF were followed up from 2018 to 2022. Circumstances of the trauma, anatomo-clinical lesions, types of management, complications, and duration of fixator maintenance were assessed. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; 161 EFs were placed on 144 patients. Of these, 93 (64.6%) were aged between 20 and 49 years with a sex ratio of 2.5/1. Motorcycle crashes were involved in 68.2% of patients. The fracture involved the middle third in 61 patients (37.9%). It was oblique in 57 patients (35.4%). The injuries were open in 126 (78.3%) cases. The average length of hospital stay was 36.2 days. 122 fractures (75.8%) healed within the expected time, and 21 cases (13.0%) of delayed union were observed. Bone infection was noted in 24 patients (14.9%). The outcome was deemed excellent and good in 122 cases (84.8%). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; External fixation is effective in managing TSF and is recommended for wider use in Cameroon.

Long-term results of treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type 3A-B tibia fractures due to combat-related high-energy ballistic injuries treated with external circular fixator: Experience of the Military Medical Academy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the longterm outcomes of open tibia fractures treated using the Ilizarov external circular fixation (ECF) technique in the Military Medical Academy. Between January 1992 and December 2011, a total of 134 male military personnel (median age: 22.5 years; range, 18 to 36 years) with Gustilo-Anderson type 3 open tibia fractures treated with ECF were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent multiple surgeries and eventually Ilizarov fixation surgery. The radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria, and complications were noted. The median follow-up was 17.7 (range, 10 to 29) years. The median time to union was 4.7 (range, 3 to 8) months. All frames were removed from the limb, when union was observed. No re-fracture, limb length discrepancy more than 2.5 cm, or below-knee amputation after Ilizarov treatment was seen in any patient. Chronic osteomyelitis was observed at in 40% (n=54) of the patients at a median time ranging from 17 to 148 months. The overall ASAMI bone scores were excellent in 40 (30%), good in 20 (15%), fair in 20 (15%), and poor in 54 (40%) patients with osteomyelitis. The ASAMI functional scores were excellent in 40 (30%), good in 40 (30%), and fair in 54 patients (40%). No poor score was observed. Minor pin site infections were observed in 63 patients (47%). Our long-term study results showed that all patients returned to their social life and were mobilized without support after treatment with the use of Ilizarov ECF method of open tibia fractures caused by high-energy ballistic injuries. However, complications such as pin tract infections and osteomyelitis after several years must be kept in mind in the treatment of comminuted bone fractures caused by firearms and ballistic missiles injuries.

Risk factors for infection in severe open tibial shaft fractures

ObjectiveTo evaluate risk factors for infection in severe open tibial shaft fractures. MethodsA secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective study investigated internal versus external fixation of severe open tibia fractures at 20 US Level I trauma centers. Adult patients, aged <65 years, with a Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB or severe IIIA metaphyseal or diaphyseal tibia fracture were included. All fractures underwent definitive fixation with either a modern ring external fixator, intramedullary device, and/or plate. Fourteen variables previously identified as risk factors for infection were included in the analysis. Deep surgical site infection was defined as an infection treated with surgical debridement within 1 year of index surgery. ResultsThe study cohort included 430 patients. Deep surgical site infection requiring reoperation occurred in 108 (25 %) patients. The final model identified four risk factors for infection: age >40 years (OR, 2.00; 95 % CI, 1.3–3.1), Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB (OR, 1.80; 95 % CI, 1.1–3.0), embedded wound contamination (OR, 1.69; 95 % CI, 1.1–2.7), and wound length (OR, 1.02/cm; 95 % CI, 1.0–1.05). The model performed poorly at distinguishing infected from uninfected patients (Area Under the Curve=0.57; 95 % CI, 0.51–0.63). ConclusionsSurgeons can now counsel patients with these risk factors that they are at a markedly higher risk of infection. The identification of these risk factors may direct future research aimed at mitigating the risk of deep surgical site infection in this patient population.

Concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage for open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia in pediatric cohort: a clinical series.

The optimal treatment of open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of pediatric tibial fractures remains inconclusive. The author described a protocol of concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage and retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of such injuries. A total of 25 pediatric cases with Gustilo lllB open tibial fracture were treated by single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap reconstruction. The reviewed information consisted of time to fix and flap, type of plate, type of pedicled flap, fracture union time, postoperative complication and the clinical outcomes by objective scoring system. Fix and flap was undergone between 7 and 12days after injury with the average time of 8.2days. Regarding the type of plate, narrow LCP was applied in 8, 3.5mm precontoured LCP in 10, 5.0mm precontoured in 2 and double LCP in 5. According to soft tissue reconstruction, the medial gastrocnemius flap was selected in 6 cases, myocutaneous medial gastrocnemius flap in 2, soleus flap in 3, hemisoleus flap in 5, reverse sural flap in 6 and combined medial gastrocnemius and hemisoleus flaps in 3. No flap-related complication was demonstrated. All cases established fracture union in between 12 and 24weeks with an average time to union of 17.7weeks. According to postoperative complications, infected plate occurred in 2 cases and implant irritation in 5. According to Puno functional score, excellent results were presented in 7 cases and good results in 18 cases. Single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage are a reliable regimen for pediatric open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia.