[Incidence of pseudarthroses in open fractures: analysis of 948 open fractures]

Abstract

In a retrospective and prospective analysis of 948 open fractures, treated at the institution of the authors in the years from 1981 to 1989, approximately 155 variables were used to deduce factors influencing the development of posttraumatic non-unions. This analysis reveals that only variables describing the bone injury show a statistical significant influence on posttraumatic non-union. Consideration of the results of the retrospective analysis in the management protocol of open fractures led to a significant decrease of non-union rates in the prospective series of 651 open fractures. An unchanged statistical influence in the development of non-unions could be found for factors representing the bone damage of the underlying injury. Variables describing the soft-tissue injury show a linear regression with the duration of bone healing time. Using the Hannover Fracture Scale is an appropriate tool for treatment control and risk prediction concerning post-traumatic non-unions.