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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 08-03-2021 | Acetabular Fracture | Original Article

Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors

Authors: Nikolaos Konstantinou Kanakaris, Vincenzo Ciriello, Petros Zoi Stavrou, Robert Michael West, Peter Vasiliou Giannoudis

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2022

Abstract

Purpose

To identify the incidence, risk factors, and treatment course of patients who developed deep infection following fixation of pelvic fractures.

Methods

Over a period of 8 years patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction in our institution and developed postoperative infection were included. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures and infections that were not secondary to post-traumatic reconstruction. The mean time of follow-up was 43.6 months (33–144). For comparison purposes, we randomly selected patients that underwent pelvic fracture fixation from our database (control group). A logistic regression was fitted to patient characteristics including age, sex, ISS, and diabetic status.

Results

Out of 858 patients, 18 (2.1%) (12 males), with a mean age of 41 (18–73) met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted of 82 patients with a mean age of 41 years (18–72). The mean ISS was 27.7 and 17.6 in the infection and control group, respectively. The mean time from pelvic reconstruction to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (7–80). The median number of trips to theatre was 3 (1–16). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most frequently isolated organism in the years prior to 2012. Eradication was achieved in 93% of the patients. The most important risk factors for deep infection were ISS (OR 1.08, 1.03–1.13), posterior sacral approach (OR 17.03, 1.49–194.40), and diabetes (OR 36.85, 3.54–383.70).

Conclusion

In this retrospective case–control study, deep infection following pelvic trauma was rare. A number of patient-, injury- and surgery-related factors have shown strong correlation with this serious complication.

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Title: Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors
Authors: Nikolaos Konstantinou Kanakaris
Vincenzo Ciriello
Petros Zoi Stavrou
Robert Michael West
Peter Vasiliou Giannoudis
Publication date: 08-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Acetabular Fracture
Pelvic Trauma
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2022
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-021-01618-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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