Predictors of Delayed Union Following Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Bone Healing Research

Background:

• Delayed union is a significant complication of tibial shaft fractures treated with locking compression plates (LCP).
• This complication leads to extended recovery periods and increased healthcare costs.
• Understanding the factors influencing delayed union is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical, biochemical, and radiological factors associated with delayed union in tibial shaft fractures treated with LCP.
• To evaluate the impact of delayed union on patient recovery and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 125 adult patients with tibial shaft fractures treated with LCP.
• Clinical, biochemical, and radiological data were collected and compared between patients with normal union (n=100) and delayed union (n=25).
• Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of delayed union.

Main Results:

• Delayed union occurred in 20% of patients, with significantly longer times to radiological union and weight-bearing.
• Patients with delayed union experienced higher rates of non-union and reoperation.
• No single clinical, biochemical, or radiological variable independently predicted delayed union after multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

• Delayed union following LCP fixation of tibial shaft fractures is linked to poorer clinical outcomes.
• The multifactorial nature of fracture healing means no single factor independently predicts delayed union in this cohort.
• Further research into the complex interplay of factors affecting bone healing is warranted.