What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify risk factors that contribute to infection following open hand fractures.

March 26, 2026Annals of Plastic Surgery0 citations

Identifying Risk Factors for the Development of Infection Following Open Fracture of the Hand

VDV. V. N. Manohar Devarasetty SKSakshi KrishnaVanderbilt University MSMariam SaadVanderbilt University Medical Center

Key Points

This research aims to identify risk factors that contribute to infection following open hand fractures.
Retrospective analysis of 663 open hand fracture cases.
Assessment of infection occurrence and associated risk factors.
Evaluation of Gustilo-Anderson fracture classification and contamination levels.
Overall infection rate observed was 9.5%.
Significant risk factors included Gustilo-Anderson Class II and III fractures (P < 0.001).
Wound contamination also significantly increased infection risk (P = 0.004).
No significant associations found with sex, age, comorbidities, management strategy, or antibiotic choice.

Abstract

Abstract Open hand fractures present a substantial risk of infection, which can impede recovery and long-term function. This retrospective study evaluated 663 open hand fractures to identify factors associated with infection. The infection rate was 9.5%, with significant risk factors including Gustilo-Anderson Class II and III fractures ( P < 0.001 for each) and wound contamination ( P = 0.004). In contrast, no significant associations were found for sex, age, comorbidities (such as diabetes and smoking), management strategy, or choice of prophylactic antibiotics. These findings suggest that fracture severity and gross contamination may be among the most important factors in predicting infection risk.

Demander à l'IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper