Optimal timing of stabilization and operative technique for extremity fractures in polytrauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: In polytrauma patients, injuries involving the extremities are frequently seen. Treatment concepts vary from early definitive care to temporary fixation and delayed definite stabilization. This analysis therefor aims to illuminate the impact of timing for operative stabilization of extremity fractures on outcome factors in adult polytrauma patients.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify studies from inception of each database to 14 September 2022. We included systematic reviews and RCTs comparing immediate versus delayed operative fracture stabilization and early definite care versus primary external fixation in adult polytrauma patients.

Results: Five randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 335 patients. The analysis found no statistically significant difference in overall mortality or improvement in ICU admission between early (< 24 h) and late fracture stabilization. Comparing femoral nailing and external fixation, findings showed that femoral nailing reduce ICU length of stay and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion: The results indicate that immediate surgical treatment by nailing is superior to delayed treatment or a staged surgical approach in stable polytrauma patients with long-bone fractures. As there is a lack of clear evidence regarding the optimal timing for definitive operative stabilization of extremity fractures in polytrauma patients, further high-quality studies are essential to enhance the certainty of evidence and provide more conclusive treatment algorithms.