[Osteosynthesis revision in war fractures]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• War fractures present complex challenges in orthopedic trauma.
• External fixation is a common treatment, but complications can arise.
• Early surgical intervention aims to improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of early AO osteosynthesis versus external fixators for war fractures.
• To evaluate complication rates and healing progression in both treatment groups.
• To determine the long-term impact of initial treatment choices on fracture recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparison of two patient groups: Group A (early AO osteosynthesis, n=32) and Group B (definitive external fixator, n=187).
• Statistical analysis of complication incidence (pin tract infection, osteitis, pseudoarthrosis, reoperation).
• Radiographic assessment of fracture healing at 2, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Group A demonstrated statistically fewer complications at 2 and 6 months (p < 0.001).
• By 12 months, the difference in complication rates between Group A and Group B was no longer statistically significant.
• No significant differences in radiographic fracture healing were observed between the groups at any time point (2, 6, or 12 months).

Conclusions:

• Early AO osteosynthesis may reduce short-term complication rates for war fractures.
• The initial treatment benefits regarding complications appear to diminish over time.
• Long-term fracture healing outcomes are comparable between early AO osteosynthesis and definitive external fixation for war fractures.