ArticleOTA international : the open access journal of orthopaedic trauma2025
Soft tissue coverage before 12 days prevents fracture-related infection in IIIB open tibial fractures in young and healthy patients.
Article in OTA international : the open access journal of orthopaedic trauma, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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2 citing papers in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction: Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open tibial fractures carry a high risk of fracture-related infection (FRI) due to extensive soft tissue damage and frequent delays in coverage. Although early orthoplastic intervention lowers infection rates, many trauma centers lack the resources for same-day or early flap coverage. This study aimed to assess the relationship between timing of flap coverage and FRI risk in a young, healthy population, and to define a clinically relevant therapeutic window. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single Level I trauma center (2012-2023). Patients with GA IIIB tibial fractures were treated under a standardized protocol with strict inclusion criteria. Timing of flap coverage was analyzed using Levene test, Student Results: Out of 332 open tibial fractures, 41 patients with GA IIIB injuries met inclusion criteria. Mean time to coverage was 24.6 days. FRI occurred in 15 patients (36.6%). Delayed coverage was significantly associated with FRI ( Conclusions: Coverage within 12 days minimizes infection risk in GA IIIB tibial fractures. Although immediate coverage remains ideal, a defined 12-day window offers practical guidance, especially where early orthoplastic care is not feasible.
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