Published online Jul 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6399
Peer-review started: February 22, 2022
First decision: March 23, 2022
Revised: April 5, 2022
Accepted: May 16, 2022
Article in press: May 16, 2022
Published online: July 6, 2022
Processing time: 122 Days and 0.4 Hours
High-energy tibial pilon fractures are associated with a high risk of infection after open reduction and internal fixation. Infections can negatively impact patient outcomes.
In this study, the authors seek ways to prevent infection after a pilon fracture.
This study aimed to compare risk factors for infection after open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fractures.
Among the 137 included patients, demographic, clinical, and surgical factors were compared between those who developed infection and those who did not.
The pathogen distribution in the 67 patients with surgical site infection was as follows: Gram-positive, 58.2%; Gram-negative, 38.8%; and fungal, 2.9%. The following factors were associated with postoperative infection: Ruedi-Allgower pilon type III fracture; type III surgical incision; wound contamination; diabetes as a comorbidity.
Ruedi-Allgower type III fractures, type III surgical incisions, wound contamination, and infection prevention in diabetic patients reduce the risk of postoperative infection following surgical treatment of tibial pilon fractures.
Ruedi-Allgower type III fractures, type III surgical incisions, wound contamination, and infection prevention in diabetic patients are feasible approaches to reduce the risk of postoperative infection after surgical treatment of tibial pilon fractures, and have broader clinical value.