Work

Do Open Tibial Shaft Fractures Portend a Worse Outcome in the Pediatric Population? A Pilot Study Utilizing a Matched Cohort

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Tibia fractures are the third most common pediatric long bone fractures and are associated with numerous complications such as compartment syndrome, angular deformity, and nonunion. This study sought to determine if complication rates were higher in open tibia fractures than in closed tibia fractures in the pediatric population, with the hypothesis that there would be no difference. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed at a quaternary care academic pediatric hospital identifying all open tibia fractures treated from March 1, 2016, to November 30, 2021. These patients were matched by sex, age, and injury pattern, with patients treated for closed tibia fractures during this same time period. Data collected included demographics, clinical and radiographic information, and complications. Results: > .999). Conclusions: This pilot study utilizing a matched cohort found no significant difference in complication rates between open and closed pediatric tibia fractures, though complications were prevalent in both groups. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion for compartment syndrome and thoroughly counseling patients on the risks of angular deformity. Key Concepts: (1) A matched cohort study demonstrates complication rates are similarly high in both open and closed pediatric tibial shaft fractures.(2) Angular deformity is the most common complication overall.(3) Treatment algorithms may differ in open versus closed tibial shaft fractures, with open fractures fixated with different constructs and immobilized for longer. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.

Source: Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America

DOI: 10.1016/j.jposna.2025.100167

Authors: Dylan R. Rakowski, Brennan Roper, Sarah R. Purtell, Patrick Carry, Julia S. Sanders

Institutions: University of Colorado Anschutz, Children's Hospital Colorado

Language: English

Topic: Bone fractures and treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500