Risk Factors for Infection After Intramedullary Nailing of Open Tibial Shaft Fractures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

OBJECTIVES:(1) To determine the infection rate after fixation of open tibial shaft fractures using the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) intramedullary nail in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and (2) to identify risk factors for infection. DESIGN:Prospective cohort study using an international online database. SETTING:Multiple hospitals in LMICs worldwide. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:A total of 1061 open tibia fractures treated with the SIGN nail in LMICs between March 2000 and February 2013. INTERVENTION:Intravenous antibiotic administration, surgical debridement, and definitive intramedullary nailing within 14 days of injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:Deep or superficial infection at follow-up, implant breakage/loosening, angular deformity >10 degrees, repeat surgery, radiographic union, weight bearing, and ability to kneel. RESULTS:The overall infection rate was 11.9%. Infection rates by the Gustilo and Anderson classification were type 15.1%, type II12.6%, type IIIa12.5%, type IIIb29.1%, and type IIIc16.7% (P = 0.001 between groups). Patients who developed infection had a longer mean time from injury to definitive surgery (4.7 vs. 3.9 days, P = 0.03) and from injury to wound closure (13.7 vs. 3.6 days, P < 0.001). Distal fractures had a higher infection rate than midshaft fractures (13.3% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.03). Infection rates were not associated with time from injury to initial debridement, time from injury to initial antibiotic administration, or total duration of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS:Open tibia fractures can be managed effectively using the SIGN intramedullary nail in LMICs with an overall infection rate of 11.9%. Risk factors for infection identified include more severe soft-tissue injury, delayed nailing, delayed wound closure, and distal fracture location. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.