Investigating Weekend Effect in the Management of Upper and Lower Extremity Degloving Injuries

Weekend presentation has been associated with adverse outcomes in emergent conditions, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and critical limb ischemia. We examine whether a weekend effect exists in the management of and outcomes after extremity degloving injuries.

The cohort included adults presenting with open extremity degloving injuries to a tertiary level one trauma center between June 2018 and May 2022. We collected demographics, comorbidities, injury information, interventions, and complications. Propensity score weighting was used to minimize confounding differences between those presenting on weekends (Sat-Sun) versus weekdays (Mon-Fri). Weighted regressions were used to examine differences in interventions by day of presentation. Multivariable weighted regressions accounting for differences in interventions received were used to examine whether weekend presentation was associated with amputation risk, complications, or functional deficits.

Ninety-five patients with 100 open extremity degloving injuries were included. In total, 39% of injuries were weekend-presenting. There was a higher rate of noninsulin-dependent diabetes among patients presenting on weekends (P = 0.03). Weekend-presenting injuries had higher median Injury Severity Scores (P = 0.04). Propensity-weighted regression analysis revealed differences in interventions received on weekends, including lower rates of pedicled and free flaps and bone graft, and increased rates of negative-pressure wound therapy (P ≤ 0.02). Multivariable regression analysis revealed weekend presentation was a significant independent risk factor for amputation of the affected extremity [odds ratio 2.27, 95% CI (1.01-5.33), P = 0.05].

Weekend presentation may impact interventions received and amputation risk in patients presenting with open extremity degloving injuries.