Surgical Site Infections after Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Trauma in Low and Middle Human Development Index Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal trauma represents a large source of morbidity in low and middle human development index countries (LMHDICs). Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of traumatic long bone fractures definitively manages these injuries and restores function when conducted safely and effectively. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication of operative fracture fixation, although the risks of infection are ill-defined in LMHDIC.

Patients and methods: This study reviewed systematically all studies describing SSI after ORIF in LMDHICs. Studies were reviewed based on their qualitative characteristics, after which a quantitative synthesis of weighted pooled infection rates based on available patient-level data was performed to estimate published incidence of SSI.

Results: Forty-two studies met criteria for qualitative review and 32 studies comprising 3,084 operations were included in the quantitative analysis. Among 3,084 operations, the weighted pooled SSI rate was 6.4 infections per 100 procedures (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6-8.2 infections per 100 procedures). Higher rates of infection were noted among the sub-group of open fractures (95% CI 13.9-23.0 infections per 100 procedures). Lower extremity injuries and procedures utilizing intra-medullary nails also had slightly higher rates of infection versus upper extremity procedures and other fixation devices.

Conclusions: Reported rates of SSI after ORIF are higher in LMHDICs, and may be driven by high rates of infection in the sub-group of open fractures. This study provides a baseline SSI rate obtained from literature produced from LMHDICs. Infection rates are highly dependent on fracture sub-types.

Keywords: developing world; fracture; open reduction internal fixation; orthopedics; surgical site infection; trauma.