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Orthopedic Trauma Directions 2008; 6(6): 1-10
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1100838
Clinical topic
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Open tibial fractures

Effect of early versus delayed surgical treatment on infections, complications, and union (update to March 2007 issue)
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Publication History

Publication Date:
28 November 2008 (online)

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Summary

There is some evidence from five recent retrospective studies to suggest that surgical delays of 6 (or 8) hours or more do not appear to have detrimental effects on rates of infection, complications, nonunion/delayed union, multiple debridements, secondary procedures to promote union, or length of hospital stay in treating open tibial fractures, when compared with surgical treatment within 6 (or 8) hours. Methodologically rigorous studies that adjust for confounding factors (eg, fracture classification, antibiotic use) and account for all patients at follow-up are needed to confirm these results.