[The duration of surgical procedures as a factor in the development of postoperative osteomyelitis]

In the period from January 1st, 1969, to December 31st, 1988, 585 osteosyntheses of the closed bone fractures of lower limbs were performed at the Orthopedic department at the Military Hospital in Nis. At the same period 25 postoperative osteomyelitis were registered, i.e., 4.27%. The average duration of osteosynthesis in the tested group of patients was 84.6 minutes, and 54 minutes in control group. The difference of the average duration of osteosynthesis between groups was significant. The type and size of metal implants did not directly affect the evolution of postoperative bone infection unless the correct implantation was done and unless they were made of standardized leaguers.