Impact of Surgical Timing, Fasciotomy, and External Fixation on Infection Risk in Tibial Plateau Fractures

Background/Objectives: Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are commonly associated with complex patterns requiring advanced surgical strategies. High-energy trauma often results in severe soft tissue damage, complicating surgical outcomes. Despite advancements in soft tissue management, postoperative complications such as surgical site infections (SSIs) remain prevalent, with rates ranging from 9.9% to 30%. This study aims to analyze risk factors and surgical approaches influencing acute SSIs following TPF fixation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 365 patients treated for TPFs with open or arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ORIF/ARIF) at a single center between January 2018 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed fractures classified by the Schatzker system and definitive management through ORIF/ARIF. Exclusion criteria included non-tibial plateau fractures, polytrauma, multiligament injuries and associated femoral fractures. Patient demographics, fracture patterns, surgical interventions, and postoperative complications were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and ANOVA tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The final cohort included 364 patients (mean age: 45.4 ± 17.4 years; 59.2% male). High-energy fractures (Schatzker IV-VI) accounted for 47.7%, with 6.86% being open fractures. The mean interval to surgery was 14.9 ± 20.6 days. Superficial infections occurred in 21 cases (5.8%), predominantly at external fixator pin sites, while 15 cases (4.1%) involved deep infections. A statistically significant correlation was observed between SSIs and preoperative fasciotomy (p < 0.0001), damage control orthopedic protocols (p < 0.0001), and delays in definitive treatment of 10-30 days (p < 0.0001). No significant associations were found between infection rates and fracture type, dual surgical approaches, or the use of arthroscopy. Conclusions: External fixation, preoperative fasciotomy, and delayed definitive treatment are independent risk factors for SSIs following TPF fixation. High-energy injuries and soft tissue damage exacerbate infection risk. A personalized surgical approach, based on minimally invasive techniques and optimized surgical timing may mitigate these complications and significantly improve clinical outcomes in TPFs.