Evaluation of complications in patients with open fractures of upper and lower extremity treated with internal fixation after external fixation

Open fractures are most common causes of morbidity and mortality of musculoskeletal system injuries and are social and economic problems for the society. Most of orthopedic surgeons have used external fixators in open fractures until the skin injury is treated. In our study we have evaluated retrospectively the complications in patients with open fractures of upper and lower extremity treated with internal fixation after external fixation treatment. We have evaluated 49 (14 upper extremity, 35 lower extremity) patients which were treated with internal fixation after external fixation. 11 patients with humerus open fracture were evaluated. According to Paley's classification; in one patient grade 1 pin side infection, in 4 patients grade 2 pin side infection was observed. In 2 patients non-union and in other 2 patients delayed union was observed. 4 patients with radius open fracture were evaluated. According to Paley's classification; in two patients grade 1 pin side infection , in one patient grade 2, and in one patient grade 3 pin side infection was observed. İn 2 patients non-union was observed. 9 patients with femur open fracture were evaluated. According to Paley's classification; in two patients grade 1 pin side infection , in two patients grade 2, pin side infection was observed. In 1 patient non-union and in 1 patient delayed union was observed. 26 patients with tibia(one patient bilateral) open fracture were evaluated. According to Paley's classification; in five patients grade 1 pin side infection , in thirteen patients grade 2, and in one patient grade 3 pin side infection was observed. In 6 patients non- union and in 9 patients delayed union was observed. Key Words: Open Fractures, Convertion From External Fixator to Internal Fixation, Complications,