Treatment preferences in Turkey for open fracture of the tibial diaphysis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate different treatment methods employed by orthopedic surgeons for open tibial fracture in adults. Methods: Survey of 12 questions regarding treatment of open tibial fracture was conducted with 285 orthopedics and traumatology specialists in Turkey in personal interviews and using web-based technique. Results: Of all survey participants, 99.6% responded that tetanus prophylaxis is necessary emergency procedure in cases of adult open tibial diaphysis fracture. In addition, 96.5% considered antibiotics administration necessary, 85.6% also selected irrigation with saline, 55.4% included debridement, and 45.3% temporary fixation. Only 4 (1.3%) respondents did not use aminoglycoside antibiotics. While 29.8% of those surveyed preferred external fixator as a definitive treatment method, 75.8% use intramedullary nail and 13.7% preferred plate method. Conclusion: A wide variation was observed among orthopedics and traumatology specialists in Turkey regarding treatment of open tibial diaphysis fracture in adults. Data obtained from this study together with the available literature may be useful to further develop therapeutic approaches. Keywords: Antibiotics, Debridement, Fixation, Open fractures, Tibia