Risk factors for surgical site infection following operative ankle fracture fixation

Abstract

Background: Ankle fracture is a common injury and there is an increasingly greater emphasis on operative fixation. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the complication rate in this cohort of patients and, in doing so, determine risk factors which predispose to surgical site infection. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral trauma center examining risk factors for surgical site infection in operatively treated ankle fractures. Results: Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Female gender and advancing age were determined to be the risk factors in univariate analysis. Drain usage and peri-operative pyrexia were found to be significant for infection in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study allows surgeons to identify those at increased risk of infection and counsel them appropriately. It also allows for a high level of vigilance with regard to soft tissue handling intra-operatively in this higher risk group. © 2013 Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.