Risk Factors of Dellinger et al for Infection Involving an Open Fracture of an Extremity

 

Patient selection: open fracture of an arm or leg

 

Risk factors for the fracture site becoming infected:

(1) Gustilo grade IIIB or IIIC fracture (adjusted elative risk 23)

(2) fracture of the lower leg (adjusted relative risk 3

(3) internal or external fixation (adjusted relative risk 12)

 

Additional risk factors for infection:

(1) the need to transfuse multiple units of blood (>= 5 units) was associated with an increased risk of infection

(2) Gustilo grade IIIA fracture had an adjusted relative risk of 2

(3) a motorcycle rider or a pedestrian had an adjusted relative risk of 3

(4) a higher injury severity score (ISS)

(5) an older patietnt (adjusted relative risk 1.4 per decade)

 

Many of the modifiable risk factors are associated with local wound care.