Infection and Nonunion After Fasciotomy for Compartment Syndrome Associated With Tibia Fractures: A Matched Cohort Comparison. Issue 7 (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blair, James A.; Stoops, Thomas Kyle; Doarn, Michael C.; Kemper, Dan; Erdogan, Murat; Griffing, Rebecca; Sagi, H. Claude
• Is Part Of: Journal of orthopaedic trauma. Volume 30:Issue 7(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: fasciotomy -- infection -- nonunion -- tibia fracture -- compartment syndrome; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Wounds and Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.47044
• DOI: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000000570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-5339

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The objective was to compare the rates of union and infection in patients treated with and without fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in operatively managed tibia fractures. Design: This was a retrospective review. Setting: The study was conducted at both a Level 1 and Level II trauma center. Patients/Participants: Patients operated for tibial plateau fractures (group 1) and tibial shaft fractures (group 3) with ACS requiring fasciotomy were matched to patients without ACS (plateau: group 2, shaft: group 4) in a 1:3 ratio for age, sex, fracture pattern, and open/closed injury. Intervention: Surgical treatment was provided with plates/screws (plateau fractures) or intramedullary rod (shaft fractures). Patients with ACS were treated with a 2-incision 4-compartment fasciotomy. Main Outcome Measurements: Time to union and incidence of deep infection, nonunion, and delayed union. Results: One hundred eighty-four patients were included—group 1: 23 patients, group 2: 69 patients, group 3: 23 patients, and group 4: 69 patients. Time to union averaged 26.8 weeks for groups 1 and 3 and 21.5 weeks for groups 2 and 4 ( P > 0.05). Nonunion occurred in 20% for groups 1 and 3 and in 5% for groups 2 and 4 ( P = 0.003). Deep infection developed in 20% for groups 1 and 3 and in 4% for groups 2 and 4 ( P = 0.001). There was a significant increase in infection in group 1 versus group 2 and nonunion in group 3 versus group 4. There were significantly more smokers for those with fasciotomies (46%) than without (20%, P < 0.001), though all statistical results remained similar after a binary regression analysis. Conclusion: Four-compartment fasciotomies in patients with tibial shaft or plateau fractures is associated with a significant increase in infection and nonunion. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.