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Elderly tibial shaft fractures: Open fractures are not associated with increased mortality rates
George Cox1, Simon Jones, Vassilios S Nikolaou
1Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Objectives:
This study aims to assess whether elderly patients (>65 years) with open tibial shaft fractures (OFs) have increased mortality rates than those with closed fractures (CFs).
Patients And Methods:
Patients admitted during 2003-2005 with open/closed diaphyseal (AO 42) fractures of the tibia were eligible to participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
Pathological and peri-prosthetic fractures.
Results:
A total of 54 patients (38 females) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients had sustained CF and 28 OF (Gustilo grade I (11), grade II (five), grade IIIa (two) and grade IIIb (10)). The OF group was statistically significantly different with higher injury severity score, secondary procedures and length of hospital stay (p<0.05). A higher rate of admission/length of stay to intensive care unit and complication rate was noted in the OF group. Mortality rate between the two groups was comparable (CF=2/26, OF=3/28).
Conclusions:
Elderly patients with OFs of the tibial shaft have similar mortality rate to those with CFs.
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