Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Intramedullary Fixation of Tibia Fractures Caused by Blunt Trauma and Civilian Gunshot Wounds: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of patients who sustained blunt trauma tibia fractures compared with tibia fractures from civilian gunshot injuries when treated with intramedullary fixation.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Level I trauma center.

PATIENTS/

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing for 211 tibia fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of tibia fracture(s) treated with intramedullary fixation with comparison of closed, open, and gunshot wound (GSW) fracture outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included infection and nonunion.

RESULTS

The infection rate in closed and GSW tibia fractures was significantly lower compared with the infection rate of open fractures (1% vs. 9% vs. 20%; P = 0.00005). Significantly lower rates of nonunion in closed fractures compared with open fractures and GSW fractures were appreciated (8% vs. 20% vs. 30%; P = 0.003). There was no difference in infection or nonunion between GSW fractures with small wounds, no exposed bone, and minimal comminution and closed injuries (P = 0.24, P = 0.60). Conversely, there was a significantly higher nonunion rate in GSW fractures with large wounds, exposed tibia, and comminution compared with blunt injuries (P = 0.0014).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that tibia fractures from civilian GSWs are heterogeneous injuries, and outcomes are dependent on the extent of soft-tissue injury, bone exposure, and bone loss. There are comparable infection rates in all fractures due to civilian GSWs and closed fractures, which are lower than high-grade open fractures. Tibia GSW fractures with exposed bone and comminution have higher complication rates and should be treated accordingly.

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