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[Infection rate in open fractures adjusted for the degree of exposure]
Unlabelled:
Every year 50,000 open fractures occur in Mexico; the complication rate is 20%, and infection is the number one complication. The infection rate at the global level is 3%. The infection rate reported in Mexico is 4.4% (1999) overall for open fractures, with infection rates ranging from 0.8 to 15.6% according to the degree of exposure; however, no updated data are available.
Methods:
A retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational study was designed, that included a total of 273 cases. The degree of exposure of the fracture was identified in patients based on the Hospital de Traumatologia Victorio de la Fuente Narváez classification of open fractures and their course within 12 months was assessed identifying the cases with infection. The infection rate was measured according to the degree of exposure of the fracture with univariate analysis, and the association of the variables of interest was established using a bivariate analysis with the chi2 statistical test.
Results:
The infection rate of open fractures was 8.05%, regardless of the degree of exposure. The latter resulted in an infection rate ranging from 0 to 16.66%.
Conclusions:
According to the world literature, open fractures result in a high infection rate, with a lower infection rate for open fractures adjusted for the degree of exposure compared to reports of world series and prior national figures. The degree of exposure was statistically significant (p = 0.04) for the presence of infection, according to the Hospital de Traumatología Victorio de la Fuente Narváez classification of open fractures.
Insights
Open fracture infection rates in Mexico are high, with 8.05% of cases becoming infected. Fracture exposure severity significantly impacts infection risk, highlighting the need for updated data on managing these severe injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Open fractures are a significant cause of morbidity, with infection being the primary complication.
- Mexico faces a substantial burden of open fractures annually, necessitating updated epidemiological data.
- Previous national data on open fracture infection rates are outdated, with a wide range reported based on fracture severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current infection rate of open fractures in Mexico.
- To analyze the relationship between the degree of fracture exposure and infection risk.
- To provide updated data for clinical practice and public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational study of 273 open fracture cases.
- Fracture exposure was classified using the Hospital de Traumatología Victorio de la Fuente Narváez system.
- Infection rates were assessed over 12 months, with univariate and bivariate analyses (chi-squared test) to determine significance.
Main Results:
- The overall infection rate for open fractures was 8.05%.
- Infection rates varied significantly by degree of exposure, ranging from 0% to 16.66%.
- The degree of fracture exposure was a statistically significant factor (p=0.04) associated with infection development.
Conclusions:
- Open fractures continue to present a high risk of infection globally and nationally.
- This study's adjusted infection rate is lower than some previous national and international reports.
- The degree of exposure is a critical, statistically significant predictor of infection in open fractures, informing risk stratification and treatment.
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