Epidemiology and Outcomes of Infected Non-Unions
Author Information
Author(s): Tedeschi Sara, Rossi Nicolò, Zamparini Eleonora, Ambretti Simone, Mosca Massimiliano, Faldini Cesare, Zaffagnini Stefano, Maso Alessandra, Sambri Andrea, De Paolis Massimiliano, Viale Pierluigi
Primary Institution: IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with treatment failure in patients with infected non-unions?
Conclusion
BMI and MRSA infection are associated with worse outcomes among patients with infected non-unions.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall, 78 patients were included in the study.
- 73% of the patients were male and the median age was 43 years.
- 16 patients experienced clinical failure at 24-month follow-up.
- Polymicrobial infection was found in 29% of cases.
- Logistic regression identified BMI and MRSA infection as risk factors for clinical failure.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients with infected non-unions and found that being overweight and having a specific type of infection can make treatment less successful.
Methodology
This was an observational retrospective study on adult patients with infected non-unions managed between 2012 and 2018.
Potential Biases
Selection and recall biases may have been introduced due to the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study is retrospective, has a limited sample size, and is single-centre, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
73% of participants were male, median age was 43 years, and 41% reported a history of open fractures.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01 for BMI, 0.04 for MRSA infection
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.03–1.28 for BMI, 95% CI 1.06–26.92 for MRSA infection
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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