Epidemiological analysis of outcomes in 323 open tibial diaphyseal fractures: a nine-year experience.

Abstract

High Gustilo and AO classification injuries positively correlate with high non-union and infection rates, requiring multiple operations and long hospital stay. There is no benefit in performing surgery on open tibial fractures within six hours of presentation. A significant proportion of these patients would be polytraumatised, indirectly affecting fracture union.