Early and late term plating results in AO type 42C tibia fractures due to firearm injury

Aim: In this study, we evaluate the results of early (1-4 days) and late (5 days and after) plate treatment, rates of union, rates of infection, and nonunion rates in tibia shaft fractures caused by gunshot injuries. Material and Method: 50 adult patients who underwent plate treatment by Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Orthopedics and Traumatology clinic for AO type 42C open tibia fracture after gunshot injury between November 2011 and September 2019 were included in this study. Patients who were treated in the first 4 days after the injury "Group 1"; Patients who were operated on the fifth day and after the injury follow-up were specified as "Group 2". Results: In our retrospective study, the mean follow-up period was 19.2 months (range 9 to 32 months). 47 of the patients are male (94%), 3 of them are female (6%); mean age 31.34 (range 17 to 51). The average age was 31.6 ± 9.91 years in group 1 and 31.8 ± 9.96 years in group 2. 42 of the patients (84%) were type 3A according to Gustilo Anderson open fracture classification (31 patients in group 1, 11 patients in group 2), 5 (10%) type 3B (1 in group 1, 4 in group 2) patients) and 3 (6%) were type 3C (1 in group 1, 2 in group 2). Of the 50 patients we included in the study, 43 (86%) had complete union, 6 (12%) nonunion and 1 patient had implant failure. In 3 (9.09%) of 33 patients in Group 1; Nonunion was observed in 3 (17.64%) of 17 patients in group 2. Infection agent grew in 8 (16%) of the patients. Conclusion: Locked plating with indirect reduction technique in open tibial fractures due to gunshot injury; is a reliable method that can be applied in immediate and permanent treatment with low infection, high union and low malunion rate