Infection of the proximal tibia after fractures — An avoidable complication

A total of 52 patients with infection after fracture of the proximal tibia were retrospectively reviewed from 1988 to 1995. 26 patients were transfered from peripheral hospitals with active osteitis, while 26 patients had been primarily treated in our hospital. Refering to the total group of patients, infection inducing factors are discussed critically. All patients underwent radical debridement. Restoration of bone stability had to be done in 73 %. Due to the extent of infection, segmental resection had to be perfomed on 3 patients. Resulting soft tissue defects were closed with local flaps in 11 cases. Infection was controlled in 41 patients, but only 7 could be classified as “cured”. Nine patients had amputations after failure of treatment. Despite successful therapy, the functional results are poor. Therefore, avoiding infection, has top priority in post fracture treatment. The correct form of osteosynthesis adapted to the soft tissue lesion can lower infection rates significantly. Soft tissue defects, resulting from open fractures or after primary treatment, have to be closed by gastrocnemius flap transfer within a short time. The management of the soft tissue is at least as important as the reconstruction of the bone in the treatment of fractures of the head of the tibia.