Outcome of infection following internal fixation of closed fractures

Med J Malaysia. 2004 Dec;59(5):665-9.

Abstract

A retrospective study was done in 30 patients with infected closed fractures treated initially by open reduction and internal fixation. Nineteen fractures involved the femur, 8 the tibia, 2 the radius and 1 the ulna. Twenty-five were diaphyseal and 5 metaphyseal. Twenty-two fractures had initially been treated with plating and 8 with intramedullary nailing. Thirteen patients presented in the acute phase and 17 in the subacute phase of infection. Twenty-two patients presented with low grade infection and 8 with florid infection. The commonest organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (80%), of which fifty four percent was resistant to Methicillin (MRSA). This study showed that 77% of infected fractures with a stable implant united even in the presence of infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Closed / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology*
  • Osteomyelitis / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome