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Deep infection associated with nonunion, delayed healing after treatment of open fracture
Nonunion and delayed healing following open fracture correlated with deep infection and higher Gustilo grade, according to study results.
Researchers recorded patient, fracture and injury information, and time to surgery and antibiotics of 736 patients with 791 open fractures. The main outcome measures were nonunion and delayed healing, according to researchers.
Lauren Beaupre
Results showed 17% of fractures developed nonunion, of which 90% underwent further surgical intervention to facilitate healing. Researchers found no difference in median time to surgery between fractures that went on to nonunion and those that healed. Deep infection, grade 3A fractures and smoking status were significantly associated with the development of a nonunion, while deep infection and grade 3B/C fractures were significantly associated with delayed healing, according to results. In a multivariate regression analysis, researchers noted no association between nonunion and time to surgery or antibiotics. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.