Severe lower extremity trauma in Ontario: A linked population-based analysis
Abstract
Open tibia fractures (OTF) are a management challenge. Admission to a trauma center (TC) and a coordinated approach to bony fixation and soft-tissue reconstruction (STR) have been shown to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe patients who had OTF in Ontario and analyze their outcomes. Linked population data pertaining to patients who had OTF between the years 2009-2020 were examined. Demographic information, admission location, and management course were collected. 4240 patients were found. The mean age was 47, and majority were males. Patients admitted to TC had greater proportion of having Injury Severity Score >15, and associated neurovascular injuries. Patients in TC were more likely to undergo limb amputation, but also more likely to get STR with an average delay of 20 days. These findings provide a comprehensive examination of the clinical course for patients experiencing OTF in Ontario. Further analyses can help identify factors that may improve outcomes.