Factors Associated With the Development of Early Infection After Surgical Treatment of Fractures

Abstract

Objective:Infection after the internal fixation of fractures is a major complication. Early infection is particularly challenging, because it occurs when the fracture is not yet united. The objective of this study is to identify possible factors related to the development of early infection in patients treated with internal fixation for fractures. Method:This retrospective observational study analyzed 24 patients with long bone fractures who underwent internal fixation and developed infections in the post-operatory period. The infections were classified as early (diagnosis in the first two weeks after surgery) or late (diagnosis after 2 weeks). Results:Of the 24 patients studied, 11 (46%) developed early infections and 13 (54%) were diagnosed with late infections. The early infection group was significantly younger (37.8 versus 53.1 [p = 0.05]) and underwent more surgeries prior to internal fixation (1.2 versus 0.2 [p < 0.00]). Conclusion:Risk factors for the development of early infection in the postoperative period should be considered when treating patients with internal fracture fixation in order to diagnose this condition as early as possible. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

Application of Staged Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Flap Surgery for Infection Control After Patellar Internal Fixation Surgery

“…According to previous reports, removal of internal fixation is occasionally delayed due to fears that the fracture might not be stable. However, infections associated with internal fracture fixation are typically caused by biofilm-producing bacteria capable of developing resistance to antibiotics 6 . The study established that fractures primarily resolved 2 to 3 weeks after patella internal fixation surgery.…”

“…However, infections associated with internal fracture fixation are typically caused by biofilmproducing bacteria capable of developing resistance to antibiotics. 6 The study established that fractures primarily resolved 2 to 3 weeks after patella internal fixation surgery. This may be attributed to the cancellous bone fracture property of the patella, where the fracture ends connect tightly with higher mechanical stability.…”

“…According to existing literature, the incidence of patella infections after surgery is about 3.2% and is more common in open fractures 4,5 . There are many attributed causes of postoperative patella infection, most of which relate to host trauma and the treatment itself 6 . In addition, systemic factors such as atherosclerosis 7 and diabetes 8 were reported to be associated with an increased risk of infection.…”

“…4,5 There are many attributed causes of postoperative patella infection, most of which relate to host trauma and the treatment itself. 6 In addition, systemic factors such as atherosclerosis 7 and diabetes 8 were reported to be associated with an increased risk of infection. Furthermore, many local factors, such as poor blood flow, 9 open fractures, and anterior tension bands over cannulated screws, present a higher risk of infection with increased damage to the soft tissue envelope 10 or soft tissue irritation.…”

Tactical treatment optimization for long bone distal metaepiphysis fractures based on biological principles

“…Intensive development of the national orthopaedic and traumatological science during the last decade naturally has led to the emergence of numbers problematic issues related to the treatment tactics and technologies of traumatic long bones injuries. One of this period characteristics is a wide use of active surgical technologies developed by the Association Osteosynthesis (AO) [1][2][3][4]. These techniques have brought to a new level and significantly expanded possibilities of surgical treatment bone fractures.…”