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Updated: May 16, 2025
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Risk factors associated with surgical site infection after internal fixation of ballistic diaphyseal fractures
Martin J Weaver1, Usher Khan2, Simar Puri1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. John Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Providence Hospital Southfield, MI, USA; Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Objectives:
Management of civilian gunshot wound (GSW) fractures is controversial, with limited data on infection risk and controversy regarding treatment. While lower-energy GSWs are considered lower risk than other open fractures, complication rates remain high. This study aimed to identify risk factors for infection in operatively treated ballistic fractures.
Methods:
After institutional review board approval, we identified 2136 GSW-related fractures from 01/01/2012 to 12/31/2021 at our level one trauma center. After excluding articular, hand, foot, injuries through viscera and pre-existing infections, 110 patients with 125 long bone fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was infection requiring reoperation. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, T-tests, Pearson's Chi-square, ROC analysis, and Youden's index.
Results:
Sixteen patients (14.5 %) developed infections requiring reoperation. The cohort had a mean age of 30 years, 90 % male, BMI 27.7 ± 7.2 kg/m², Charlson comorbidity index <1, and 37 % smokers. Increased infection risk was associated with admission glucose (p < 0.001) and length of stay (p < 0.001). Admission glucose >156 mg/dL increased odds of infection sixfold (OR 6.1, 95 % CI 2.0-19.0), while a hospital stay >10 days increased odds of infection twentyfold (OR 21.1, 95 % CI 5.3-82.7). Transfusion (p = 0.004), abdominal (p = 0.007), and chest trauma (p = 0.010) also correlated with infection risk. No significant associations were found with nicotine use, Charlson comorbidity index, or BMI.
Conclusions:
Operatively treated long bone injuries had a 14.5 % infection rate. Elevated admission glucose and prolonged hospital stay significantly increased infection risk, particularly in polytrauma patients. Identifying high-risk patients, promoting early mobilization, and ensuring glycemic control may help reduce infections. Further research is needed to develop targeted prevention strategies.
Level Of Evidence:
3 (Retrospective Comparative Study).
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