International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences

A study of implant related infections in closed fractures

2020, Volume 6 Issue 3

A study of implant related infections in closed fractures

Author(s): Dr. Narayanan SK, Devishal R and Dr. Sherafudeenn
Abstract: Introduction: Infection following insertion of metallic devices is one of the major complications of orthopaedic surgery. When an operation is undertaken, a closed fracture is converted into an open one with the potential danger of it becoming infected. This complication may be catastrophic. It can lead to the loss of a limb and at best, it prolongs the period of morbidity, may make more operations necessary and impairs the quality of the final result. Curbing implant related infections has always been a challenging task for the orthopaedician. Objective: To know the frequency of infection in orthopaedic implant surgery in a public hospital and to evaluate risk factors, causative organisms, complications and treatment.Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Sree Gokulam Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, from May 2015 to April 2020. All closed fracture cases admitted for internal fixation devices were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were open fractures, needing external fixation and immunocompromised state. The follow up was done till infection eradication was attained.Results: Infection developed in 30 patients, of which 8 was early onset, another 8 were delayed onset and the rest 14 were late onset. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated. Smoking and diabetes were significant risk factors. ESR, CRP and procalcitonin were promising tests in detecting infection. Majority of the cases were managed by implant removal, which yielded good results in eradicating infection. Conclusion: Infection rate was at par with international standards. In view of financial burden on patient and on hospital resources, apt measures to control infections should be a mainstay, and that could in turn substantially decrease morbidity and mortality. Diabetes, prolonged surgery time and smoking show strong correlation with higher infection rates. Most common organism isolated from infected cases wasStaphylococcus aureus. Our study showed that implant salvage was effective in eradicating infections of acute onset, and in case of late onset, implant removal seemed to be a better choice.
Pages: 230-236  |  763 Views  106 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Dr. Narayanan SK, Devishal R, Dr. Sherafudeenn. A study of implant related infections in closed fractures. Int J Orthop Sci 2020;6(3):230-236. DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2020.v6.i3d.2206
 
International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences
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