Deep infections after low-velocity ballistic tibia fractures are frequently polymicrobial and recalcitrant.

To identify risk factors for developing a fracture-related infection in operatively treated ballistic tibia fractures and to report the microbiologic results of intraoperative cultures. Retrospective review. Level 1 trauma center. One hundred thirty-three adults with operatively treated low-velocity ballistic tibia fractures, from 2011 to 2021. One dose of prophylactic cefazolin or equivalent as well as perioperative prophylaxis. Deep infection rate. The deep infection rate was 12% (16/134) with no significant difference in injury characteristics, index surgical characteristics, or time to antibiotics between the groups ( We found a deep infection rate of 12% among ballistic tibia fractures receiving standard-of-care antibiotic prophylaxis. Increased age and body mass index were associated with deep infections. Half became recalcitrant requiring a second reoperation. 66.7% of isolated organisms were not covered by first-generation cephalosporin prophylaxis. Consideration should be given to treatment options such as broader prophylaxis or local antibiotic treatment. IV.

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Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Dr. Brianna R. Fram reports paid consulting for Synthes. Dr. Joseph R. Hsu reports consultancy and speaker fees for Stryker, consultancy for Globus Medical, speaker fees from Smith & Nephew speakers' bureau, speaker fees from Integra Lifesciences, and speaker fees from Depuy/Synthes. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest.