LOW INFECTION AND NON-UNION RATES IN POLYTRAUMA FEMORAL FRACTURES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

• Published in: Acta ortopedica brasileira Vol. 32; no. 2; p. e278586
• Main Authors: de Freitas, Matheus Trindade Bruxelas, Martins, Gabriel Benevides Valiate, Santiago, Matheus Augusto Maciel, Silva, Isaac Rocha, Leonhardt, Marcos de Camargo, Silva, Jorge Dos Santos, Kojima, Kodi Edson
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil ATHA EDITORA 01.01.2024; Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia
• Subjects: Femoral Fractures; Intramedullary Nailing; Multiple Trauma; ORTHOPEDICS; Postoperative Complications; Update /Orthopedic Trauma; Postoperative Complications; Multiple Trauma; Femoral Fractures; Intramedullary Nailing; Traumatismo Múltiplo; Fraturas do Fêmur; Haste Intramedular; Complicações Pós-Operatórias
• ISSN: 1413-7852; 1809-4406; 1809-4406
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-785220243202e278586

Assess complications and risks in staged femoral shaft fracture treatment using external fixation and intramedullary nailing (DCO). Analysis involved 37 patients with 40 fractures, mostly male (87.5%), average age 32.9 years. Data included ASA score, AO/OTA and Gustilo classifications, Glasgow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, times to external fixation and conversion, ICU duration, nail type, and reaming status. Complications tracked were mortality, deep infection, and non-union. Predominant fracture type was AO/OTA A (45%), with 40% open (Gustilo A, 93.8%). Average ISS was 21; GCS was 12.7. Median ICU stay was 3 days; average time to conversion was 10.2 days. Retrograde nails were used in 50% of cases, with reaming in 67.5%. Complications included deep infections in 5% and non-union in 2.5%. DCO strategy resulted in low infection and non-union rates, associated with lower GCS and longer ICU stays.