Complications in type III open tibial shaft fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation

J Comp Eff Res. 2019 Aug;8(11):907-915. doi: 10.2217/cer-2019-0040. Epub 2019 Jun 7.

Abstract

Aim: To estimate rates of fracture-related infection (FRI) and nonunion and assess the healthcare burden associated with FRI among patients with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for Type III open tibial shaft fractures (TSFs). Methods: Patients with type III TSF requiring ORIF were identified using MarketScan® Database. Healthcare utilization and total costs were compared using generalized linear models. Results: The rates of FRI and nonunion were 35.99 and 36.94%, respectively, at 365 days. Patients with FRI had a significantly higher rate of readmission, emergency room visit and total healthcare costs compared with patients without FRI. Conclusion: Patients with an ORIF procedure for Type III TSF have a high risk of FRI and nonunion and; FRI significantly increased the healthcare burden.

Keywords: Gustilo Anderson Type III open fractures; costs; fracture-related infection; healthcare utilization; nonunion; open reduction and internal fixation; tibia shaft fractures.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Health Expenditures / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services / economics
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Open Fracture Reduction / adverse effects*
  • Open Fracture Reduction / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult