Article
Management of fractur-related infection after pelvic fracture
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Published: | October 26, 2021 |
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Fragestellung: Fracture-related infection (FRI) after pelvic ring fracture is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication. In literature, the infection rate after pelvic fracture is 4.8-9.2%. However, there are no recommendations on treatment or reports on the outcome of this major complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic management of fracture-related infection after pelvic fracture.
Methodik: In a retrospective analysis, we found 18 patients with a fracture-related infection out of 278 patients treated for a pelvic fracture from 07/2012-06/2020. 8/18 patients were female, median age was 61.5 years (±15.3). 6/18 patients with FRI had sustained a complex trauma of the pelvis with a significant soft tissue injury.
Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung: Table 1 shows the baseline characteristics of the patients. A stretegy of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) was successful in 6/18 patients with FRI after pelvic fracture. 12 patients required an exchange of osteosynthetic implants.
Fracture-related infection after pelvic fracture is a serious condition. Acute infections with a stable implant can be treated with DAIR. Chronic infection, implant loosening, or osteolysis indicate a staged procedure with implant removal, temporary stabilization, and re-osteosynthesis after clearing of the infection.