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Published on: March 13, 2026
Risk factors of deep infection in operatively treated pilon fractures (AO/OTA: 43)
Cesar S Molina1, Daniel J Stinner1, Andrew R Fras1
1Vanderbilt Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
Background/Aims:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors of deep infection following pilon fractures.
Methods:
This investigation was performed after gathering a six-year retrospective database from a single academic trauma center.
Results:
These include an overall incidence of deep infection of 16.1% (57/355). Deep infection was diagnosed at an average of 88 days (±64 days) from initial injury with a range of 10-281 days. Development of deep infection occurred in 23.2% (33/142) of open fractures, vs 11.3% (24/213) of closed fractures.
Conclusion:
Open fractures, hypertension and male gender were associated with an increased risk of developing deep infection. In addition, even optimal surgical management may not significantly modify rates of deep surgical site infection.
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