Functional and Radiographic Outcomes of Open Proximal Femoral Fractures Caused by Gunshot Wounds in Yemen: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Open proximal femoral fractures caused by gunshot wounds are rare but devastating injuries that pose considerable challenges for prognosis and management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of patients with open proximal femoral fractures caused by gunshot wounds treated at 3 Level-I trauma centers in Yemen and to identify the factors that influence them.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 174 patients with open proximal femoral fractures caused by gunshot wounds. The fractures were classified according to the Gustilo-Anderson and OTA/AO systems. The primary outcome measures were fracture union, infection, and functional outcomes. The secondary outcome measures were the Harris hip score (HHS) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey score. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify the predictors of complications and poor functional outcomes.

RESULTS

The overall rate of fracture union was 87%. The complication rates were 18% for infection, 13% for nonunion, 23% for reoperation, 12% for delayed union, 4% for osteonecrosis, 6% for heterotopic ossification, and 2% for amputation. The mean HHS at the final follow-up was 78.4, and the mean SF-36 score was 67.3.

CONCLUSIONS

Open proximal femoral fractures caused by gunshot wounds are associated with high rates of complications and poor functional outcomes in Yemen. Early debridement, appropriate fixation, infection control, and adequate soft-tissue coverage are essential for achieving satisfactory results. The type of wound, the type of fracture, and the type of definitive fixation are significant predictors of the outcomes. Future studies should compare different fixation methods and evaluate the long-term outcomes and complications of these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.