Identification of risk factors for surgical site infection after type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ tibial pilon fracture surgery

BACKGROUND High-energy tibial pilon fractures are complex and severe fractures that are associated with a high risk of infection following open reduction and internal fixation.Infection can negatively impact patient outcomes.AIM To compare risk factors for postoperative infection after open reduction and internal fixation for a pilon fracture.METHODS Among the 137 patients included,67 developed a surgical site infection.Demographic,clinical,and surgical factors were compared between the two groups.A binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio(OR)and corresponding 95% CI for significant risk factors for postoperative infection.RESULTS The distribution of pathogenic bacteria among the 67 patients who developed a surgical site infection was as follows:Gram-positive,58.2%(n=39);Gramnegative,38.8%(n=26);and fungal,2.9%(n=2).The following factors were associated with postoperative infection(P<0.05):a Ruedi–Allgower pilon fracture type Ⅲ(OR=2.034;95%CI:1.109–3.738);a type Ⅲ surgical incision(OR=1.840;95%CI:1.177–2.877);wound contamination(OR=2.280;95%CI:1.378–3.772);and diabetes as a comorbidity(OR=3.196;95%CI:1.209–8.450).CONCLUSION Infection prevention for patients with a Ruedi–Allgower fracture type Ⅲ,surgical incision type Ⅲ,wound contamination,and diabetes lowers the postoperative infection risk after surgical management of tibial pilon fractures.

The treatment of severe open Pilon fractures

Objective To discuss the operative methods,timing and outcomes of severe open Pilon fractures.Methods From April 2003 to July 2008,21 patients with open Pilon fractures were admitted.All the patients were type C fracture according to

Pilon fractures： a new classification and therapeutic strategies

Background Operative decision-making of Pilon fractures are of great challenges until now. The aim of this study was to investigate the guidance of the four-column theory in decision-making therapeutic strategies for Pilon fractures and its result. Methods One hundred and ten cases （107 patients） of Pilon fractures classified by the four-column theory and treated by ORIF, were reviewed. According to the four-column classification scheme, lateral column of 85 cases, posterior column of 66 cases, medial column of 77 cases, and anterior column of 61 cases are involved. Among all the 110 cases, single column of 14 cases, two columns of 46 cases, three columns of 17 cases, and all of four columns of 33 cases are involved. Results One hundred and eight cases have been followed up. The average follow up time is 14.7 months, varying between 7 and 52 months. The average healing time is 3.6 months, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 months. Reduction of 86.1% reviewed Pilon cases are good or acceptable according to Burwell and Charley＇s Radiology Evaluation System. Ankle function of 87.1% cases are excellent or good according to the AOFAS evaluation system. Conclusion As a simple and comprehensive classification, the four-column classification can contribute to reasonable operation decision-making and good prognosis of Pilon fracture.

Analysis of the efficacy of a modified posteromedial approach for Klammer III posterior Pilon fractures

Purpose:To analyze the curative effect and technical points of a modified posteromedial approach in the treatment of Klammer III posterior Pilon fracture.Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients with Klammer III posterior Pilon fractures were conducted in our department from January 2018 to December 2019.Before the surgery,the patients were fully relieved of swelling and pain,and a comprehensive examination was carried out.The posteromedial approach exposed the posterior and medial fracture block of the distal tibia.According to the fracture of external malleolus,it is determined whether to combine a lateral incision and protect tendons and vascular nerves by a retractor,and then perform a fracture reduction and internal fixation.Postoperatively,the patients were treated with analgesia,detumescence,anticoagulation and rehabilitation exercise.The American orthopaedic foot and ankle society(AOFAS)score and visual analogue score were recorded at regular follow-up after surgery.A t-test was used for the comparison of the preoperative and final AOFAS score.Results:There were 7 male and 13 female(n=20)included in the study,aged 22 to 88 years(average age 54.2 years).The injury mechanisms were falling from a height(n=7),traffic accident(n=6),walking injury(n=2)and heavy injury(n=5).The postoperative follow-up duration was 12—24 months(mean 16.95 months).The AOFAS score of the 20 patients before and after surgery were compared.The preoperative AOFAS score was 38.90±3.91,and the final AOFAS score was 80.55±4.20,(p<0.001).The mean final visual analogue scores at rest,active and weight-bearing walking were 0.30,0.85 and 1.70,respectively.One patient reported poor postoperative wound healing and required a return to hospital for debridement and anti-infection treatment.Conclusion:In the treatment of Klammer III posterior Pilon fractures,the modified posteromedial approach can fully expose the fracture block and the collapsed articular surface of the medial malleolus,achieve good reduction and internal fixation with limited injury of the tendon and vascular nerves,and have a better prognosis.