Infection Rate by Gustilo-Anderson Classification in Open Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With an Intramedullary Nail-A Meta-Analysis.
J Orthop TraumaSep 1, 2026
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Janse T Schermerhorn, Patrick J McGlone, Arissa M Torrie et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined deep surgical site infection (SSI) rates in 2063 patients with open tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, stratified by Gustilo-Anderson classification. The overall pooled deep SSI rate was 13.2%. Notably, rates increased significantly with fracture severity, reaching 41.8% for type IIIC fractures.
Key findings
- Overall pooled deep SSI rate was 13.2% (95% CI, 11.8%-14.8%).
- Type I fractures had a deep SSI rate of 6.2% (95% CI, 3.7%-10.3%).
- Type IIIB fractures had a deep SSI rate of 25.0% (95% CI, 18.6%-32.6%).
- Type IIIC fractures had the highest deep SSI rate at 41.8% (95% CI, 21.3%-65.5%).
Why it matters
Understanding the infection rates associated with different Gustilo-Anderson classifications can guide clinicians in assessing the risk of deep surgical site infections in patients with open tibial shaft fractures, influencing treatment decisions and postoperative care.