Operatively treated high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries and surgical site infections – A retrospective assessment based on a prospective registry

Abstract

Introduction

High-energy pelvic ring injuries (PRI) are severe, life-threatening trauma conditions which might require complex surgical management. One of the major complications associated with these injuries is the development of surgical site infections (SSI) which significantly impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of SSI in patients undergoing surgical fixation of high-energy blunt PRI and identify the key predisposing factors.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated for high-energy blunt PRI was conducted using the prospectively filled institutional Severely Injured Patients’ Registry, focusing on the rate of SSI following surgical fixation. The multifactorial nature of infection risk was analyzed, with particular attention to the type of injury, surgical technique, external fixation devices’ usage and the germs encountered.

Results

A SSI rate of 10,5 % (12 out of 114 patients) was encountered among the study population. The primary SSI risk factor was PRI complexity; 83.3 % of patients with SSI had an AO/OTA type C fracture and 16.7 % a type B fracture, while 43.1 % of patients without SSI had a type C fracture and 56.9 % a type B fracture (p = 0.008). Additionally, SSI patients had a trend to have higher extremities/pelvis AIS and higher ISS, and to have been more often treated with a transient pelvic fixation device including supra-acetabular external fixator.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive infection prevention strategy in high-energy PRI patients, especially in complex cases. A multidisciplinary approach is of outmost importance and should include surgical techniques with meticulous soft tissue handling, proper implant selection and aggressive post-operative wound care. Despite external fixation devices being related to certain cases of SSI, their life-saving potential during the initial management phase should be carefully weighed against this risk.