Aims. Several studies have reported that patients presenting during the evening or weekend have poorer quality healthcare. Our objective was to examine how timely surgery for patients with severe open tibial fracture varies by day and time of presentation and by type of hospital. This cohort study included patients with severe open tibial fractures from the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN). Methods. Provision of prompt surgery (debridement within 12 hours and soft-tissue coverage in 72 hours) was examined, using multivariate logistic regression to derive adjusted risk ratios (RRs). Time was categorized into three eight-hour intervals for each day of the week. The models were adjusted for treatment in a major trauma centre (MTC), sex, age, year of presentation, injury severity score, injury mechanism, and number of operations each patient received. Results. We studied 8,258 patients from 175 hospitals. Patients presenting during the day (08:00 to 15:59; risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.20) were more likely to receive debridement within 12 hours, and patients presenting at night (16:00 to 23:59; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.62) were less likely to achieve the target; triage to a MTC had no effect. Day of presentation was associated with soft-tissue coverage within 72 hours; patients presenting on a Thursday or Friday being less likely to receive this surgery within 72 hours (Thursday RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.97; Friday RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98), and the standard less likely to be achieved for those treated in ‘non-MTC’ hospitals (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.82). Conclusion. Variations in care were observed for timely surgery for severe open tibial fractures with debridement surgery affected by time of presentation and soft-tissue coverage affected by day of presentation and type of hospital. The variation is unwarranted and highlights that there are opportunities to substantially improve the delivery and quality of care for patients with severe open tibial fracture. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(12):941–952

Aims. This study estimated trends in incidence of open fractures and the adherence to clinical standards for open fracture care in England. Methods. Longitudinal data collected by the Trauma Audit and Research Network were used to identify 38,347 patients with open fractures, and a subgroup of 12,170 with severe open fractures of the tibia, between 2008 and 2019 in England. Incidence rates per 100,000 person-years and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Clinical care was compared with the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and National Major Trauma Centre audit standards. Results. In total, 60% of all open fractures occurred in males; the median age was 48 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 68). Between 2012 and 2019, the overall incidence in England was 6.94 per 100,000 person-years. In males, the highest incidence observed was in those aged 20 to 29 years (11.50 per 100,000 person-years); in females, incidence increased with age, peaking at 32.11/100,000 person-years at 90 years of age and over. Among those with severe open fractures of the tibia, there was a bimodal distribution in males, peaking at 20 to 29 years (3.71/100,000 person-years) and greater than 90 years of age (2.84/100,000 person-years) respectively; among females, incidence increased with age to a peak of 9.91/100,000 person years at 90 years of age and over. There has been variable improvement with time in the clinical care standards for patients with severe open fractures of the tibia. The median time to debridement was 13.0 hours (IQR 6.4 to 20.9); almost two-thirds of patients underwent definitive soft-tissue coverage within 72 hours from 2016 to 2019. Conclusion. This is the first time the incidence of all open fractures has been studied using data from a national audit in England. While most open fractures occurred in young males, the incidence increased with age in females to a much greater level than observed in older males. The degree of missing data in the national audit is startling, and limits the certainty of inferences drawn concerning open fracture care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):736–746

Aims. To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the odds of having deep infections and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following open fractures. Methods. Patients from the Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial with Gustilo-Anderson grade II or III open fractures within the lower limb were included in this secondary analysis. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we assessed the impact of NPWT on deep wound infection requiring surgical intervention within 12 months post-injury. Using multilevel model analyses, we evaluated the impact of NPWT on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) at 12 months post-injury. Results. After applying inverse probability treatment weighting to adjust for the influence of injury characteristics on type of dressing used, 1,322 participants were assessed. The odds of developing a deep infection requiring operative management within 12 months of initial surgery was 4.52-times higher in patients who received NPWT compared to those who received a standard wound dressing (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84 to 11.12; p = 0.001). Overall, 1,040 participants were included in our HRQoL analysis, and those treated with NPWT had statistically significantly lower mean SF-12 PCS post-fracture (p < 0.001). These differences did not reach the minimally important difference for the SF-12 PCS. Conclusion. Our analysis found that patients treated with NPWT had higher odds of developing a deep infection requiring operative management within 12 months post-fracture. Due to possible residual confounding with the worst cases being treated with NPWT, we are unable to determine if NPWT has a negative effect or is simply a marker of worse injuries or poor access to early soft-tissue coverage. Regardless, our results suggest that the use of this treatment requires further evaluation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):189–195

Objectives. Open fracture classification systems are limited in their use. Our objective was to classify open tibia and femur fractures using the OTS classification system in a region with high incidence of gunshot fractures. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with diaphyseal tibia and femur open fractures were identified from a prospectively collected cohort of patients. This database contained all cases (closed and open fractures) of tibial and femoral intramedullary nailed patients older than 18 years old during the period of September 2017 to May 2021. Exclusion criteria included closed fractures, non-viable limbs, open fractures > 48 hours to first surgical debridement and patients unable to follow up over a period of 12 months (a total of 24). Open fractures captured and classified in the HOST study using the Gustilo-Anderson classification, were reviewed and reclassified using the OTS open fracture classification system, analysing gunshot fractures in particular. Ninety percent were males with a mean age of 34. Most common mechanism was civilian gunshot wounds (gsw) in 54.7% of cases. In 52.6% of cases soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention, these not encompassed in the classification. Fracture classification was OTS Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1% and 52.6% of cases unclassified. The OTS classification system was not comprehensive in the classification of open tibia and femur fractures in a setting of high incidence of gunshot fractures. An amendment has been proposed to alter acute management to appropriate wound care and to subcategorise Simple into A and B subdivisions; no soft tissue intervention and primary closure respectively. This will render the OTS classification system more inclusive to all open fractures of all causes with the potential to better guide patient care and clinical research

Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intracellular Staphylococcus aureus is associated with recurrent infection in a rat model of open fracture. Methods. After stabilizing with Kirschner wire, we created a midshaft femur fracture in Sprague-Dawley rats and infected the wound with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged S. aureus. After repeated debridement and negative swab culture was achieved, the isolation of GFP-containing cells from skin, bone marrow, and muscle was then performed. The composition and viability of intracellular S. aureus in isolated GFP-positive cells was assessed. We suppressed the host immune system and observed whether recurrent infection would occur. Finally, rats were assigned to one of six treatment groups (a combination of antibiotic treatment and implant removal/retention). The proportion of successful eradication was determined. Results. Green fluorescent protein-containing cells were successfully isolated after the swab culture was negative from skin (n = 0, 0%), muscle (n = 10, 100%), and bone marrow (n = 10, 100%) of a total of ten rats. The phagocytes were predominant in GFP-positive cells from muscle (73%) and bone marrow (81%) with a significantly higher viability of intracellular S. aureus (all p-values < 0.001). The recurrent infection occurred in up to 75% of rats after the immunosuppression. The proportion of successful eradication was not associated with implant retention or removal, and the efficacy of linezolid in eradicating intracellular S. aureus is significantly higher than that of vancomycin. Conclusion. Intracellular S. aureus is associated with recurrent infection in the rat model of open fracture. Usage of linezolid, a membrane-permeable antibiotic, is an effective strategy against intracellular S. aureus. Cite this article:Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(2):71–76

Abstract. Objective. Open fracture management in the United Kingdom and several other countries is guided by the British Orthopaedic Association's Standards for Trauma Number 4 (BOAST-4). This is updated periodically and is based on the best available evidence at the time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the evidence base forming this guidance and to highlight new developments since the last version in 2017. Methods. Searches have been performed using the PubMed, Embase and Medline databases for time periods a) before December 31, 2017 and from 01/01/2018–01/02/2021. Results have been summarised and discussed. Results. Several contentious issues remain within the 2017 guideline. Antibiotic guidance, the use of antibiotic impregnated PMMA beads and intramedullary devices, irrigation in the emergency department, time to theatre and the use of negative pressure dressings and guidance regarding the management of paediatric injuries have all demonstrated no clear consensus. Conclusion. The advent of the BOAST-4 guideline has been of huge benefit, however the refinement and improvement of this work remains ongoing. There remains a need for further study into these contentious issues previously listed

Introduction. We investigated the usefulness of flap surgery for Gustilo type IIIB and C severe open fracture of the tibia, for which treatment is difficult. Materials & Methods. The subjects were 16 patients with severe open fracture of the tibia who received a treatment at our division between April 2000 and October 2008. There were 13 males and 3 females, and the mean age at injury was 41.2 years. Radical debridement and temporal external fixation were performed on the day of injury, and soft tissue reconstruction and definitive osteosynthesis were performed within a few days after injury to the best. Results. The affected limb was salvaged in all patients. Primary bone healing was obtained in 13 of the 16 patients, and the mean bone healing time was 5.5 months (3–7 months). The patient with delayed bone healing underwent additional bone grafting and achieved bone healing. Concomitant osteomyelitis occurred in 4 of 16 patinets (25%). Leg shortening was observed in 1 patient, but the shortening was only 2 cm. No patient exhibited 10 or more degrees of angular deformity or malrotation. In addition, relatively good ranges of motion of the knee and ankle joints were maintained, and all patients became able to walk without a stick within 1 year after injury. Discussion & Conclusion. Early flap surgery was effective for severe open fracture of the tibia

Many studies report the incidence and prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) following open fractures; however, there is limited information on the treatment and subsequent outcomes of superficial SSIs in open fracture patients. There is also a lack of clinical studies describing the prognostic factors that are associated with failure of antibiotic treatment (non-operative) for superficial SSI. To address this gap, we used data from the FLOW (Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds) trial to determine how successful antibiotic treatment was for superficial SSIs and to identify prognostic factors that could be predictive of antibiotic treatment failure. This is a secondary analysis of the FLOW trial dataset. The FLOW trial included 2,445 operatively managed open fracture patients. FLOW participants who had a non-operatively managed superficial SSI diagnosed in the 12 months post-fracture were included in this analysis. Participants were grouped into two categories: 1) participants whose superficial SSI resolved with antibiotics alone and 2) participants whose SSI did not resolve with antibiotics alone (defined as requiring surgical management or SSI being unresolved at final follow-up (12-months post-fracture for the FLOW trial)). Antibiotic treatment success and the date when this occurred was defined by the treating surgeon. A logistic binary regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with superficial SSI antibiotic success. Based on biologic rationale and previous literature, a priori we identified 13 (corresponding to 14 levels) potential factors to be included in the regression model. Superficial SSIs were diagnosed in168 participants within 12 months of their fracture. Of these, 139 (82.7%) had their superficial SSI treated with antibiotics alone. The antibiotic treatment was successful in resolving the superficial SSI in 97 participants (69.8%) and unsuccessful in resolving the SSI in 42 participants (30.2%). We found that superficial SSIs that were diagnosed later in follow-up were associated with failure of treatment with antibiotic alone (Odds ratio 1.05 for every week in diagnosis delay, 95% Confidence Interval 1.004–1.099; p=0.03). Age, sex, fracture severity, fracture pattern, wound size, time from injury to initial surgical irrigation and debridement were not associated with antibiotic treatment failure. Our secondary analysis of prospectively collected FLOW data found antibiotics alone resolved superficial SSIs in 69.8% of patients diagnosed with superficial SSIs. We also found that superficial SSIs that were diagnosed earlier in follow-up were associated with successful treatment with antibiotics alone. This suggests that if superficial SSIs are diagnosed and treated promptly, there is a higher probability that they will resolve with antibiotic treatment

Aims. The Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial was a multicentre, blinded, randomized controlled trial that used a 2 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effect of irrigation solution (soap versus normal saline) and irrigation pressure (very low versus low versus high) on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with open fractures. In this study, we used this dataset to ascertain whether these factors affect whether HRQL returns to pre-injury levels at 12-months post-injury. Patients and Methods. Participants completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) at baseline (pre-injury recall), at two and six weeks, and at three, six, nine and 12-months post-fracture. We calculated the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS) of the SF-12 and the EQ-5D utility score, conducted an analysis using a multi-level generalized linear model, and compared differences between the baseline and 12-month scores. Results. We found no clinically important differences between irrigating solutions or pressures for the SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS and EQ-5D. Irrespective of treatment, participants had not returned to their pre-injury function at 12-months for any of the three outcomes (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Neither the composition of the irrigation solution nor irrigation pressure applied had an effect on HRQL. Irrespective of treatment, patients had not returned to their pre-injury HRQL at 12 months post-fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:88–94

Open fractures are uncommon in the UK sporting population, however because of their morbidity then are a significant patient group. Currently there is very little in the literature describing the epidemiology of open fracture in sport. We describe the epidemiology of sport related open fractures from one centre's adult patient population. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database recording all sport related open fracture s over a 15 year period in a standard population. Over the 15 year period, there were 85 fractures in 84 patients. The mean age was 29.2 years (range 15–67). 70 (83%) were male and fourteen female (17%). The six most common sports were football (n=19, 22%), rugby (n=9, 11%), cycling (n=8, 9%), hockey (n=8, 9%); horse riding (n=6, 7%) and skiing (n=6, 7%). The top five anatomical locations were fingers phalanges, 35%; tibia-fibula 23%; foreman 14%; ankle 11% and metacarpals 5%. The mean injury severity score was 7.02. Forty five patients were grade 1; 28 patients were grade 2; 8 patients were grade 3a; and 4 were grade 3b according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification system. Seven patients (8%) required plastic surgical intervention for the treatment of these fractures. The types of flaps used were split skin graft (n=4), fasciocutaneous flaps (n=2); and adipofascial flap (n=1). We looked at the epidemiology open fractures secondary to sport in one centre over a 15 year period. Football was the most common sport (22%) and within football, the most common site was the tibia and fibula. In contrast, within the cohort a whole the majority of fractures were upper limb, with the hand being the most common site. Whilst not common in sport, when they are sustained they are frequently occur on muddy sport fields or forest tracks and must be treated appropriately. A good understanding of the range and variety of injuries commonly sustained in different sports is important for clinicians and sports therapists

The aim of this abstract is to show that when dealing with an infected non-union, all possibilities of treatment must be considered in order to choose the best treatment plan for each patient. This case shows the evolution of an infected non-union following type III open fractures which, after the used of several methods that failed, had to be solved with amputation. We present a case report of a 41 years old man, with a type IIIA open fracture of the right tibia and fibula. Initially, he was treated with an external fixator, which was removed and plate implanted. After this, he who presented to us with an infected non-union. He was submitted to surgery, the plate was removed and a circular external fixator was used. Six months later, the external fixator was removed and a reamed intramedullary nail was implanted with bone graft from iliac crest. One year later, the facture site was still mobile, so he was submitted to fixation with internal plate. As this last method also failed, a bellow knee amputation was performed, 4 years after the initial event. After several attempts with several distinctive methods, the infected non-union had to be solved with the sacrifice of the limb. The treatment of infected non-union is one of the most difficult in Orthopedic Surgery. There are several procedure that can be used. When all these fail, amputation and consequent limb prosthetic substitution, might allow the patient to return to the society

Aim. Open fractures still have a high risk for fracture-related Infection (FRI). The optimal duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) for open fractures remains controversial due to heterogeneous guidelines and highly variable prophylactic regimens in clinical practice. In order to provide further evidence with which to support the selection of antibiotic duration for open fracture care, we performed a preclinical evaluation in a contaminated rabbit fracture model. Method. A complete humeral osteotomy in 18 rabbits was fixed with a 7-hole-LCP and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (2×106 colony forming units, CFU per inoculum). This inoculum was previously shown to result in a 100% infection rate in the absence of any antibiotic prophylaxis. Cefuroxime was administered intravenously in a weight adjusted dosage equivalent to human medicine (18.75 mg/kg) as a single shot only, for 24 hours (every 8 hours) and for 72 hours (every 8 hours) in separate groups of rabbits (n=6 per group). Infection rate per group was assessed after two weeks by quantitative bacteriological evaluation of soft tissue, bone and implants. Blood samples were taken from rabbits preoperatively and on days 3, 7 and 14 after surgery to measure white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results. Duration of PAP had a significant impact on the success of antibiotic prophylaxis. The single shot regimen completely failed to prevent infection. All samples (soft tissue, implant and bone) from this group displayed high numbers of bacteria. Additionally, abscesses were present in two of six rabbits. The 24-hour regimen showed a reduced infection rate (1 out of 6 rabbits infected), but only the 72-hour course was able to prevent FRI in all animals in our model. After an initial postoperative peak on day three, CRP levels then decreased to baseline (approx. 30 µg/ml) in the 24h-group and 72h-group, but remained significantly higher in the single shot group at day 7 and 14 (p<0.05). Conclusions. When contamination with high bacterial loads is likely (e.g. in an open fracture situation), a 72-hour course of intravenous cefuroxime appears to be superior in preventing FRI compared to a single shot or 24-hour antibiotic regimen. Acknowledgements. This work was funded by AOTrauma

Infection is a common complication of severe open fractures and compromises bone healing. The present standard of care is a two-stage approach comprising of initial placement of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA beads to control infection followed later by bone grafting. Although the systemic antibiotics and PMMA/antibiotic beads control the infection initially, there are often residual bacteria within the wound. After grafting and definitive closure, the implanted graft is placed in an avascular defect and could function as a nidus for infection. Bioactive porous polyurethane (PUR) scaffolds have been shown to improve bone healing by delivering recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and reduce infection by delivering antibiotics. The release kinetics of the BMP-2 were an initial burst to recruit cells and sustained release to induce the migrating cells. The Vancomycin (Vanc) release kinetics were designed to protect the graft from contamination until vascularisation by having an initial burst and then remaining over the MIC for Staph. aueus for two months. In this study, PUR+BMP-2+Vanc scaffolds were first tested in a non-infected critical size rat femoral segmental defect and was found to perform comparably to PUR+BMP-2, thus indicating that Vanc did not hinder bone healing. PUR+BMP-2+Vanc scaffolds were subsequently evaluated in an infected critical size rat femoral segmental defect. The dual delivery approach resulted in significantly more new bone formation and infection control than both PUR+BMP-2 and the collagen+BMP-2 treatments. These data indicate that the dual-delivery strategy effectively protects the graft from infection during wound healing and regenerates more bone in contaminated defects. This moderately osteoconductive bone graft is capable of being injected, provides a more sustained release of BMP-2 than the collagen sponge, and can release antibiotics for over 8 weeks. The dual-delivery approach may improve patient outcomes of open fractures by protecting the osteoinductive graft from colonization until vascularization occurs

Background. Traditional recommendations suggest that open fractures require urgent surgical debridement to reduce infection. However, this has recently been challenged by a number of investigations. However, in many cases, these studies were not able to control for important confounding factors. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between delay to definitive surgical debridement while controlling for important confounders. Method. 364 patients with 459 open fractures treated at a level one trauma centre over four years were reviewed. Time to definitive surgical debridement was modelled as a predictor of infection while controlling for fracture grade, anatomic site of fracture, and presence of significant contamination. Time to debridement was modelled as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable with cut off points at 6 and 12 hours of delay. Results. 46 deep infections occurred in 459 fractures(10%). There were no infections among grade one open fractures(0/55). Delay to debridement using cut-points of 6 hours and 12 hours was not associated with an increased infection rate. However, with delay to debridement analyzed as a continuous variable each additional hour of delay was associated with an increase in the odds of infection(OR=1.033 95%CI 1.01–1.057). Multivariable analysis also showed that infection was associated with tibial fractures(OR=2.44 95%CI 1.26–4.73), higher Anderson & Gustillo grade (OR=1.99 95%CI 1.004–3.954), and gross contamination (OR=3.12 95%CI 1.36–7.36). Among more severe open fractures the impact of delay to debridement translates into a larger absolute increase in probability of infection. Conclusion. We recommend that higher grade open fractures be treated with definitive debridement as soon as possible given that the risk of infection increases in a linear fashion with time delay. For severe open fractures, especially tibial, we recommend emergent debridement as soon as the patient has been resuscitated and is stable enough to undergo surgery

This clinical case refers to a male patient, 45 years old, with a past medical history of Hepatitis C, admitted at the Emergency Department on July 2014, after a fall from 7 meters high at his workplace – dump – which resulted in an open fracture of the distal end of the right forearm bones – Gustillo & Anderson IIIA. With this work, the authors aim to describe the evolution of the patient's clinical status, from the initial fracture to the septic arthritis of the right wrist, as also the surgical interventions and other treatments he has undergone. There were used all patient's records from Hospital's archives, including Emergency Department registry, Clinical Diaries, Operative Reports, and results of diagnostic exams. It was also revised all patient's clinical process, with support of photographs obtained during the successive revaluations. The clinical case we present on this work began on July 2014, when the patient suffered an open fracture – Gustillo & Anderson IIIA – on the distal end of the right forearm bones. The lesion was subjected to washing, closed reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires, and also a cycle of antibiotic. At the fourth day after surgery, because of an unfavorable evolution of the wound, the patient was submitted to a bulky abscess drainage and a joint osteotaxis. About 1 month and a half after the traumatic event, it was performed a revision of the osteotaxis, following a failed attempt of osteosynthesis. By unfavorable evolution of the clinical status, with the development of septic arthritis in the right wrist, it was decided to undertake a Masquelet technique. Analyzing the evolution of the patient's clinical status, the authors conclude that, besides the appropriate therapeutic options taken at each stage, the development of septic arthritis at the right wrist was inevitable. This framework, in association to the fact that this is a 45 years old patient, with the dominant hand affected, raises issues of questionable therapeutic order

This work refers to a male patient, 25 years of age, admitted in the Emergency Department following a bicycle accident, of which resulted an open fracture of the right forearm bones – Gustillo & Anderson I. With this work, the authors have as objective the description of the patient's clinical condition – starting with the fracture, over to the osteomyelitis – as well as the surgical procedures and remaining treatments he was submitted to. The authors used the patient's records from Hospital's archives, namely records from the Emergency Department, Operating Room, Infirmary and Consultation, and also the diagnostic exams performed throughout the patient's clinical evolution. This clinical case began in May 2013, when the patient suffered an open fracture of the right forearm bones – Gustillo & Anderson I – due to a bicycle accident. At the time, the exposure site was thoroughly rinsed, a cast immobilization was made, and antibiotics were prescribed. In the fifth day following the trauma, the patient was submitted to an open reduction with internal fixation with plate and screws of both forearm bones. In the following period, the distal segment of the suture suffered necrosis, exposing the radial plate and the tendons of the first dorsal compartment. The Plastic Surgery team was then contacted, proposing the execution of a graft over the exposed area, which was made in August 2013. In the postoperative period, about half the graft lost its viability and it was noted that a radial pseudoarthrosis had developed – in the context of osteomyelitis – with a defect of about 9 centimeters. This condition prompted the extraction of the osteosynthesis material, about 4 months after its application, and at the same time the first stage of a Masquelet Technique was performed. The second stage of the aforementioned procedure was carried out two months later. Currently, the patient is clinically stable, with right hand mobility acceptable for his daily living activities. Analyzing the patient's clinical evolution, we concluded that, even though the adequate therapeutic decisions have been made in each stage, the development of osteomyelitis was inevitable. This realization, in association with the patient's young age, raises debatable questions of therapeutic order

Purpose: The choice of irrigating fluid and delivery pressure remains controversial. Identifying surgeons’ preferences in techniques and the rationale for their choices may aid in focusing educational activities to the orthopaedic community as well as planning future clinical trials. Our objective was to clarify current opinion with regard to the irrigation of open fracture wounds. Method: We mailed and delivered a cross-sectional survey using a sample-to-redundancy strategy to members of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and attendees of an international fracture course (AO, Davos, Switzerland) to examine surgeons’ preferences in the initial management of open fracture wounds. Results: Of the 1,764 surgeons who received the questionnaire, 984 (55.8%) responded. In the management of open wounds, most surgeons surveyed, 676 (70.5%), favoured normal saline alone, however 16.8% used Bacitracin. Many surgeons, 695 (71%) used low pressures when delivering the irrigating solution to the wound, however variation exists in what constituted high versus low pressure lavage. Surgeons supported the need for a clinical trial evaluating outcomes following both the use of different irrigating solutions as well as irrigating pressures [803 (84.8%) and 730 (77.6%) respectively]. Conclusion: The majority of surgeons favour both normal saline and low pressure lavage for the initial management of open fracture wounds

The optimal choice of irrigating solution or irrigating pressure in the initial management of open fracture wounds remains controversial. FLOW compared the effect of castile soap versus normal saline, and low versus high pressure pulsatile lavage on one year re-operation rates in patients with open fracture wounds. We conducted a multicentre, blinded, two-by-two factorial, pilot randomised trial of 111 patients with open fracture wounds receiving either castile soap solution or normal saline and either high or low pressure pulsatile lavage. The primary outcome, re-operation within one year, included infections, wound healing problems, and nonunions. Secondary outcomes included all operative and non-operative infections, wound healing problems, nonunion and functional outcomes. We followed the intention to treat principle. Eighty-nine patients (80.2%) completed the 12-month follow-up. As anticipated in this small-sample-size pilot study, results were compatible with substantial benefit and substantial harm. The hazard ratio (HR) for re-operation with castile soap was 0.77 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.35 to 1.69, p=0.52). With low pressure lavage, the hazard ratio for the risk of re-operation was 0.56, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.27, p=0.17. Secondary outcomes showed a significant relative risk reduction for nonunion of 63% in favour of castile soap (p=0.036), and a trend for a relative risk reduction for nonunion of 44% in favour of low pressure lavage (p=0.22). Functional outcome scores showed no significant differences at any time point between groups. The FLOW pilot randomised controlled trial demonstrated the possibility that the use of low pressure may decrease the re-operation rate for infection, wound healing problems, or nonunion. Our findings provide compelling rationale for continued investigation in a pivotal FLOW trial of 2280 patients

Introduction and objectives: The purpose of the research is to show the agreement and reproducibility among 5 observers when they are questioned about 51 open fractures using two open fracture classifications for long bones (Gustilo and Aybar), interpreting the results obtained between both classifications. Material and Method: A classification protocol is established for open fractures. The fractures are graded independently using each of the systems being evaluated (Gustilo and Aybar), by visualising slides with clinical and radiologic images in addition to a report of the data in the clinical history. The survey is conducted twice with a time difference of one to eight weeks. 5 members of the Orthopedic and Traumatologic Surgery Department (OTSD) were questioned (1 Professor, 2 Specialists and 2 Residents). The statistical method used to analyse the results was the interobserver agreement percentage and the inter- and intraobserver kappa index. Results: The interobserver agreement percentage for the Gustilo classification was 58.82% and 39.21% for the Aybar classification. The kappa index for the interobserver agreement for the Gustilo classification was 0.51 and for the Aybar classification was 0.54. The kappa index for the intraobserver reproducibility was 0.69 for the Gustilo classification and 0.58 for the Aybar one. Conclusions: The interobserver agreemnet was considered moderate-poor for the Gustilo and Aybar classifications. The intraobserver reproducibility was considered substantial for the Gustilo classification and moderate for the Aybar one. We conclude that this agreement shows too much variability as to accept just one classification as the only valid method to take therapeutic decisions or for comparing results. Therefore, it’s necessary to create a more detailed and careful classification, which is quick to use, reliable, reproducible and which contains a more objective criteria

Background. In 2011 Aird et al published their results of the effects of HIV on early wound healing in open fractures treated with internal and external fixation. The study was conducted between May 2008 and March 2009 and performed in semi-rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These results suggested that HIV is not a contraindication to internal or external fixation of open fractures, as HIV is not a significant risk factor for acute wound implant infection. We present a longer term follow up of this same cohort of patients from the original study. Methods. From March 2011 to January 2012 we attempted to contact all patients from Airds original study. A simple telephonic questionnaire was obtained from all the patients contacted, regarding possible late sepsis, non-union and implant removal. Patients were requested to visit the outpatient department for a clinical assessment, a repeat HIV test and new X-rays. Results. Of the initial 133 patients, 27 patients had external fixators, which were removed, leaving 106 patients with implants in situ at the time of follow up. Six patients had died, 4 of AIDS, 1 of a traffic accident and one of community assault. We were able to obtain telephonic questionnaires of 46 patients in total. Of these 46 patients, 31 were seen at a dedicated research clinic for re-assessment. In the initial study, 33 patients were HIV positive. We re-assessed 14 of these HIV positive patients and of these, 1 patient had metal removed for sepsis and 1 patient had a non-union. The remaining 12 patients had implants in situ without sepsis or non-union. Conclusion. This is the longest follow up to date of the effect of HIV on surgical implants following open fractures. Our results suggest HIV is not a contraindication for internal surgical fixation of open fractures in HIV positive patients with regards to long term sepsis and the risk of non-unions. THIS RESEARCH IS SUPPORTED BY A RESEARCH GRANT OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS