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Open fractures. Long-term results in 200 consecutive cases.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Long-term follow-up of open fractures shows infrequent late complications and excellent functional outcomes. Most patients returned to their jobs, demonstrating successful treatment of complex bone injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Open fractures are severe injuries often resulting from high-energy trauma like automobile accidents.
- Associated polytrauma and multiple fractures are common in patients with open fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reevaluate long-term outcomes (6-10 years) in patients treated for open fractures.
- To assess the incidence of late complications and functional recovery after open fracture treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 200 consecutive patients with 214 open fractures.
- Long-term follow-up including clinical assessment and radiographic evaluation (average 8 years post-injury).
Main Results:
- Late complications were infrequent, with 7% experiencing postoperative bone infections successfully treated.
- Radiographic evaluation showed minimal joint incongruities or arthritic changes (9 patients).
- Excellent functional results were achieved, with most patients returning to prior jobs.
Conclusions:
- Open fractures can achieve excellent long-term functional results with appropriate management.
- Late complications are uncommon, and most patients regain full weight-bearing and return to work.
- Surgical intervention leads to anatomic restitution and union in the majority of cases.