Open tibial fractures typically occur as a consequence of high energy trauma in patients of working age resulting in high rates of deep infection and poor functional outcome. Whilst improved rates of limb salvage, avoidance of infection and better ultimate function have been attributed to improved centralisation of care in orthoplastic units, there remains no universally accepted method of definitive management of these injuries. The aim of this study is to the report the experience of a major trauma centre utilising circular frames as definitive fixation in patients sustaining Gustilo-Anderson (GA) 3B open fractures A prospectively maintained database was interrogated to identify all patients. Case notes and radiographs were reviewed to collate patient demographics and injury factors . The primary outcome of interest was deep infection rate with secondary outcomes including time to union and secondary interventionsIntroduction
Materials & Methods
