RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study is to report the rate of successful salvage and describe typical treatment course for patients with infected pilon fractures. METHODS: This investigation was performed after gathering a Six-year retrospective database from a single academic trauma center including patients with pilon fractures diagnosed with post-operative deep infection. RESULTS: These include a rate of successful salvage in patients diagnosed with deep infection of 88.5% (46/52). Patients who were successfully salvaged required an average of 3.5 (±2.3) procedures following diagnosis of infection, 2.5 (±1.5) debridements and 1.1 (±1.2) reconstructive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable morbidity follows the diagnosis of deep infection, with 14% of patients ultimately treated with amputation. Successful salvage can be reliably anticipated in over 80% of patients, but typically requires more than 3 additional procedures.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors of deep infection following pilon fractures. METHODS: This investigation was performed after gathering a six-year retrospective database from a single academic trauma center. RESULTS: These include an overall incidence of deep infection of 16.1% (57/355). Deep infection was diagnosed at an average of 88 days (±64 days) from initial injury with a range of 10-281 days. Development of deep infection occurred in 23.2% (33/142) of open fractures, vs 11.3% (24/213) of closed fractures. CONCLUSION: Open fractures, hypertension and male gender were associated with an increased risk of developing deep infection. In addition, even optimal surgical management may not significantly modify rates of deep surgical site infection.
