Anterior Malreduction is Associated With Lag Screw Cutout After Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Lag screw cutout is a devastating complication after internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture. Although the tip-apex distance (TAD) is known to be associated with this complication, another factor we thought was potentially important-fracture reduction on an oblique lateral view-has not, to our knowledge, been explored. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is a well-reduced fracture position on an oblique lateral view after internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture associated with a lower odds of postoperative cutout, independently of the TAD? (2) Is postoperative sliding of the lag screw after fixation associated with postoperative cutout? METHODS: Patients with intertrochanteric fractures who were at least 65 years old and who had been treated with internal fixation in one of six facilities between July 2011 and December 2017 were included. All patients in the study group had lag screw cutout, and controls were selected by risk-set sampling of age-matched and sex-matched patients using a ratio of 4:1 for patients from each hospital. Of the 2327 intertrochanteric fractures, there were 36 patients (0.02 per person-year), with a mean age of 85 years; 89% (32) were women. In the control group, there were 135 controls. There was no difference in age or sex between the two groups. Sagittal reduction was evaluated using an immediate postoperative oblique lateral radiograph (anterior malreduction versus anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction). The association between anterior malreduction and the odds of cutout was estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis with the TAD and interaction between the TAD and the reduced position as covariates. As a sensitivity analysis, we estimated whether sliding within 2 weeks postoperatively was associated with cutout. RESULTS: After controlling for the potentially confounding variables of age and sex, we found that anterior malreduction was independently associated with a higher odds of cutout compared with anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction (adjusted OR 4.2 [95% CI 1.5 to 12]; p = 0.006). There was also an independent association between cutout and larger TAD (≥ 20 mm) (adjusted OR 4.4 [95% CI 1.4 to 14]; p = 0.01). However, the association between cutout and reduction was not modified by the TAD (adjusted OR of interaction term 0.6 [95% CI 0.08 to 4]; p = 0.54). Postoperative sliding ≥ 6 mm within 2 weeks was associated with higher odds of cutout after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted OR 11 [95% CI 3 to 40]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients older than 65 years with intertrochanteric fractures, anterior malreduction on a lateral oblique view was associated with much greater odds of postoperative cutout than anatomic reduction or posterior malreduction. Because anterior malreduction is within the surgeon's control, our findings may help surgeons focus on intraoperative reduction on an oblique lateral view to prevent cutouts. Although this factor is a reliable indicator, the results should be applied to cephalomedullary nails, because there was only one patient with cutout among those with sliding hip screws. Because this study was conducted in a homogenous Japanese population, future studies should focus on the association between anterior malreduction and cutout in people of different ethnicities, adjusting for confounding factors such as implant type and surgeon level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Effect of postoperative fracture gap on bone union: A retrospective cohort analysis of simple femoral shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is considered the gold-standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures. The post operative fracture gap is commonly recognized as a risk factor for nonunion. However, no evaluation standard for measuring the fracture gap size has yet been established. In addition, the clinical implications of the fracture gap size have also not been determined so far. This study aims to clarify how we should evaluate fracture gaps when assessing simple femoral shaft fractures with radiographs and to determine the acceptable cut-off value of the fracture gap size in simple femoral shaft fractures. METHOD: A retrospective observational study with a consecutive cohort was conducted at the trauma center of a university hospital. We investigated the fracture gap using postoperative radiography and the postoperative bone union of transverse and short oblique femoral shaft fractures fixed by IMN. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to obtain the fracture gap's mean, minimum, and maximum cut-off values. Fisher's exact test was used at the cut-off value of the most accurate parameter. RESULTS: In the four nonunions among the 30 cases, the analysis using ROC curves revealed that the maximum value had the highest accuracy among the maximum, minimum, and mean values of fracture-gap size. The cut-off value was determined to be 4.14 mm with high accuracy. Fisher's exact test showed that the incidence of nonunion was higher in the group with a maximum fracture gap of 4.14 mm or greater (risk ratio = not applicable, risk difference = 0.57, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In simple transverse and short oblique femoral shaft fractures fixed with IMN, the fracture gap on radiographs should be evaluated by the maximum gap in the AP and lateral views. The remaining maximum fracture gap of ≥4.14 mm would be a risk factor for nonunion.

Current status and future prospects of the Japanese orthopaedic association national registry (JOANR), Japan's first national registry of orthopaedic surgery.

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association National Registry (JOANR) is Japan's first national registry of orthopaedic surgery, which has been developed after having been selected for the Project for Developing a Database of Clinical Outcome approved by the Health Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Its architecture has two levels of registration, one being the basic items of surgical procedure, disease, information on surgeons, surgery-related information, and outcome, and the other being detailed items in the affiliated registries of partner medical associations. It has a number of features, including the facts that, because it handles medical data, which constitute special care-required personal information, data processing is conducted entirely in a cloud environment with the imposition of high-level data security measures; registration of the implant data required to assess implant performance has been automated via a bar code reader app; and the system structure enables flexible collaboration with the registries of partner associations. JOANR registration is a requirement for accreditation as a core institution or partner institution under the board certification system, and the total number of cases registered during the first year of operation (2020) was 899,421 registered by 2,247 institutions, providing real-world evidence concerning orthopaedic surgery.

Incidence of genitourinary injuries in pelvic fractures: A 12-year single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of genitourinary injuries in pelvic fractures and elucidate the clinical outcomes of patients with pelvic fractures with and without genitourinary injuries at a tertiary trauma center in Japan. METHODS: Patients with pelvic fractures in our tertiary trauma center between May 2009 and April 2021 were retrospectively assessed. The patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, and hospital course details were collected. The outcomes of patients with pelvic fractures with and without genitourinary injuries were compared. RESULTS: Of 402 patients with pelvic fractures, 18 (4.5%) had genitourinary injuries. Falls were the most common mechanisms of injury for all pelvic fractures The incidence of bladder, kidney, urethral, and testis injuries were 2.0%, 1.2%, 1.2%, and 0.5%, respectively. Patients with genitourinary injuries were significantly younger (median age, 26 vs. 51 years; p < 0.001), had a higher rate of intensive care unit admission (94% vs. 58%; p = 0.002), remained hospitalized longer (median duration, 82 vs. 45 days; p < 0.001), and had a longer intensive care unit stay (median duration, 6 vs. 2 days; p < 0.001) when compared to patients without genitourinary injuries. Genitourinary injuries were not associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of genitourinary injuries with pelvic fractures was 4.5%. The presence of genitourinary injuries was associated with a higher rate of intensive care unit admission, longer hospital stay, and longer intensive care unit stay, but it was not associated with in-hospital mortality.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a trauma center of a university hospital in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused the Japanese government to declare a State of Emergency on April 7, 2020. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the effects of the pandemic on surgical cases at a university hospital trauma center. METHODS: An observational study was performed at a trauma center in a tertiary hospital in Tokyo, Japan. The number of surgeries was compared between two periods: a historical control period (Tuesday April 9 to Monday May 27, 2019) and the period of the Japan State of Emergency due to COVID-19 (Tuesday April 7-Monday May 25, 2020). Information on patient age, gender, and surgical diagnosis, site, and procedure was collected for cases operated on in each period. The number of trauma surgeries was compared between the two periods. Data from the two periods were compared statistically. RESULTS: The total number of surgical cases was 151 in the control period and 83 in the COVID-19 period (including no cases with COVID-19), a decrease of 45.0%. There were significantly more surgeries for patients with hip fractures in the COVID-19 period (9 vs. 19, P < 0.001 by Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: During the State of Emergency in Japan, the number of operations for trauma patients at the trauma center decreased, but surgeries for hip fracture increased.

Early postoperative Barthel index score and long-term walking ability in patients with trochanteric fractures walking independently before injury: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Trochanteric fractures are one of the most common fragility fractures, and the number of the patients is increasing worldwide. Identifying prognostic factors is important to manage and minimize the social losses caused by postoperative walking impairment. The purpose of this retrospective study is to clarify the association between early postoperative Barthel index score and postoperative long-term walking ability among patients with trochanteric fractures who could walk independently before injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with trochanteric fractures aged ≥ 65 years who were walking independently before injury were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the Barthel index score measured within 1 week after surgery; the cut-off value was set at 20 points. The prevalence of walking impairment after 1 year was compared between these two groups after adjusting for confounding factors in a complete case analysis and using the data introduced by the multiple imputation method. RESULTS: Among the 758 eligible patients, 254 patients (34%) had their walking ability evaluated after 1 year from injury. The patients in the lower Barthel index group showed a significantly impaired walking ability in both analyses (adjusted odds ratio 5.5 and 2.4, 95% confidence intervals 2.4-13 and 1.5-3.8, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that the Barthel index score measured in the early postoperative period after trochanteric fractures was associated with the level of long-term walking impairment in patients who could walk independently before injury.

Interdigitating percutaneous screw fixation for Rommens type IIIa fragility fractures of the pelvis: technical notes and preliminary clinical results.

PURPOSE: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs) type IIIa in the Rommens classification include unilateral iliac fractures as well as pubic rami fractures. We devised a new, less-invasive fixation technique to achieve increased stability for FFPs type IIIa. The aim of this study was to describe this procedure and report the preliminary clinical results. METHODS: A total of 14 geriatric patients (> 60 years old) who sustained FFP type IIIa caused by low-energy trauma were surgically treated with interdigitating screw fixation including a trans-pubic screw in a retrograde manner and two trans-iliac screws from the anterior inferior iliac spine toward the posterior inferior iliac spine. All iliac fractures were displaced with external rotation, and closed reduction was performed. Percutaneous screw fixation, in which fully threaded screws were in contact with each other, provided stable fixation allowing early mobilization. RESULTS: A median decrease in pain levels by post-operative day two was 4.5 compared with pre-operatively using a numerical rating scale. While full weight-bearing was allowed from four weeks post-operatively in the initial five patients, immediate full weight-bearing was instructed as tolerated for the subsequent nine patients. No complications were encountered during the peri-operative period. At the final follow-up, all fractures were united without fixation loss, screw dislodgment, or hardware failure. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure of closed reduction and interdigitating screw fixation for FFP type IIIa appears to represent a safe, reliable technique. Our experience suggests that interdigitating fixation for FFP type IIIa is effective for relieving pain and promoting early mobilization in elderly patients.

Progression to Rommens type IIIa fragility fracture of the pelvis managed by delayed open reduction and interdigitating screw fixation: A case report.

Efficient management of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs) is established during the acute phase of injury. However, a small number of FFPs exhibit fracture progression with increased instability over time. Fracture progression is typically seen in sacral fractures and rare in iliac fractures. Herein, we present the case of a 72-year-old woman with Rommens type IIIa FFP, following an isolated iliac fracture. It was successfully treated four months after the initial injury with retrograde suprapubic screw fixation via the anterior intra-pelvic approach and percutaneous lateral compression type-2 screw fixation using an interdigitating technique.

Dorsal approach for isolated volar fracture-dislocation of the base of the second metacarpal: A case report.

BACKGROUND: We report a case with the displacement of an articular fracture fragment of the base of the second metacarpal from the ulnar to the volar side, treated via the dorsal approach. The dorsal approach can be a good option not only because it allows direct observation of ligament damage and fixation of bone fragments but also because the thin subcutaneous tissue makes the approach easier. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old man with a right hand injury visited the hospital. A small bone fragment was identified using plain radiography. Lateral radiography revealed the fragment as lying over the volar aspect of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Computed tomography revealed that approximately one-third of the CMC joint surface of the second metacarpal was damaged. We provisionally diagnosed an intra-articular fracture with significant CMC joint instability and performed open reduction and internal fixation. We made a dorsal longitudinal incision over the CMC joint between the second and third metacarpals. The dorsal ligament of the third CMC joint was torn. We thought it had been dislocated to the volar side and spontaneously reduced to that position. There are only few reports of volar dislocation of CMC joint fractures, particularly of the second and third metacarpals; our report is unique as our patient had an intact interosseous ligament between the second and third metacarpals. CONCLUSION: Although past reports have used a palmar approach, the dorsal approach is a good option for these cases.

Type III Gustilo-Anderson open fracture does not justify routine prophylactic Gram-negative antibiotic coverage.

Postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) is common in open long bone fractures, so early administration of prophylactic antibiotics is critical to prevent SSI. However, the necessity of initial broad-spectrum coverage for Gram-positive and -negative pathogens remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics in a large, national-wide sample. We reviewed an open fracture database of prospectively collected data from 111 institutions managed by our society. A retrospective cohort study was designed to compare the rates of deep SSI between narrow- and broad-spectrum antibiotics, which were initiated within three hours after injury. A total of 1041 type III fractures were evaluated at three months after injury. Overall deep SSI rates did not differ significantly between the narrow-spectrum group (43/538, 8.0%) and broad-spectrum group (49/503, 9.8%) (p = 0.320). During propensity score-matched analysis, 425 pairs were analyzed. After matching, no significant difference in the SSI rate was seen between the narrow- and broad-spectrum groups, with 42 SSIs (9.9%) and 40 SSIs (9.4%), respectively (p = 0.816). The probability of deep SSI was not reduced by broad-spectrum antibiotics compared with narrow-spectrum antibiotics in type III open long bone fractures.

Predictive Factors of Lower Urinary Tract Injuries and Spontaneous Voiding Failure After Pelvic Fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to describe the voiding patterns of patients after surgical treatment of pelvic fractures and determine the predictive factors of lower urinary tract injuries (LUTIs) and spontaneous voiding failure among patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures at a tertiary trauma center in Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures in our tertiary trauma center during May 2009-April 2021. We excluded patients who died during hospitalization and who had indwelling catheter prior to the injury. Patients' LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge were recorded. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the predictive factors of LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge. RESULTS: In total, 334 eligible patients were identified. Among them, 301 patients (90%) voided spontaneously with or without diapers at discharge. Thirty-three patients required some form of catheterization for bladder drainage. LUTIs were found to be associated with chronological age [odds ratio (OR)=0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92-0.99; p=0.024] and pelvic ring fracture (OR=12.0; 95%CI=1.39-255.2; p=0.024). Spontaneous voiding failure was associated with intensive care unit admission (OR=7.17; 95%CI=1.49-34.4; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Overall, 10% of patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures were not able to void spontaneously at discharge. Spontaneous voiding failure after pelvic fractures was related to injury severity.

Early-stage reconstruction of flexor pollicis longus using palmaris longus in a patient with compartment syndrome of forearm: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The flexor pollicis longus is the most vulnerable muscle in acute compartment syndrome of the forearm. Reconstruction of a dysfunctional flexor pollicis longus is occasionally necessary following compartment syndrome of the forearm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old Japanese man injured his left forearm in a motor vehicle accident. Open radial shaft fracture and acute compartment syndrome of the left forearm was diagnosed. We performed a fascial release of the forearm and debridement of the involved myonecrosis of the flexor pollicis longus. At second-look operation (3 days after the initial release), we performed palmaris longus tendon transfer to the flexor pollicis longus tendon. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no complaints and returned to his job. At 2-year follow-up, the patient had achieved 88% of pinch strength, compared with the contralateral hand, and scored 11.4 on the QuickDASH score. CONCLUSIONS: Palmaris longus transfer performed immediately after injury is simple and does not require an additional surgical approach. Hence, early palmaris longus tendon transfer, which can provide satisfactory outcomes, could be considered as a potential choice for flexor pollicis longus reconstruction in patients with compartment syndrome of the forearm.

Comparison of patient-reported outcomes at one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation: A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: This single-center, prospective cohort study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation and to elucidate whether amputation contributes to early recovery of functionality and quality of life. METHODS: We included 47 limbs of 45 patients with severe open fractures of the lower limb and categorized them into limb salvage and amputation groups. Data on patient-reported outcomes one year after injury were obtained from the Database of Orthopaedic Trauma by the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair at our center. Patients' limbs were evaluated using the lower extremity functional scale and Short-Form 8. Early recovery was assessed using functionality and quality-of-life questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the 47 limbs, 34 limbs of 34 patients were salvaged, and 13 limbs of 11 patients were amputated. Significant differences were noted between the limb salvage and amputation groups in terms of the lower extremity functional scale scores (mean: 49.5 vs. 33.1, P = 0.025) and scores for the mental health component (mean: 48.7 vs. 38.7, P = 0.003), role-physical component (mean: 42.2 vs. 33.3, P = 0.026), and mental component summary (mean: 48.2 vs. 41.3, P = 0.042) of the Short-Form 8. The limb salvage group had better scores than the amputation group. CONCLUSIONS: As reconstruction technology has advanced and limb salvaging has become possible, the focus of studies should now be based on the perspective of "how the patient feels;" hence, we believe that the results of this study, which is based on patient-reported outcomes, are meaningful.

Does Simultaneous Fixation of Both Distal Radius and Distal Ulnar Fractures Improve Outcomes? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures are often found in conjunction with distal radius fractures. However, there is no consensus on optimal management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether simultaneous fixation of both distal radius and distal ulnar fractures would improve outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients treated for distal radial fractures over a 4-year period at our trauma center were identified, and their medical records were analyzed. Twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. All radius fractures were fixed using a volar locking plate. Fourteen ulnar fractures were treated with surgical fixation, and nine were treated conservatively. Data were collected on patient demographics, mechanism of injury, whether it was a closed or open fracture, Gustilo classification, AO/OTA classification, immobilization period, follow-up period, and type of treatment. Physical findings comprising the active range of motion and grip strength and radiological findings, including the ulnar variance compared to the healthy side and bone union, were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, but the arc of dorsi-palmar flexion was more restricted in the operative group than in the conservative group. Other results were not significantly different between the two groups. Discussion: Fixation of distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures can be challenging, and several studies have shown the validity of conservative treatments. This supports the view that if the distal radius fracture is anatomically and rigidly fixed, distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures can be successfully managed conservatively. Conclusion: Our results did not show any merit in the simultaneous fixation of both distal radius and distal ulnar fractures. Thus, needless surgery should be avoided.

Better discrimination of the concomitant peri-ankle fractures in the spiral tibial shaft fractures by thin-slice axial and three-dimensional CT.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to examine the morphologic features of spiral tibial shaft as well as concomitant fibular and peri-ankle fractures on multidetector high-resolution CT and to speculate about the mechanisms underlying these combined fractures.This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 197 tibial shaft fractures underwent multidetector high-resolution CT before intramedullary nailing. The presence and location of peri-ankle fractures were recorded using thin-slice axial CT. Tibial shaft fractures were classified as spiral or non-spiral. The morphologies of spiral tibial fractures and concomitant lateral malleolar fractures were delineated using three-dimensional CT.Seventy-five spiral and 122 non-spiral fractures were identified. Peri-ankle fractures excluding lateral malleolar fractures were found in 77.3% of spiral fractures and 18.9% of non-spiral fractures. The most frequent location of peri-ankle fractures in the spiral group was the posterior malleolus, followed by the anterolateral distal tibia, while the medial malleolus was the most frequent site in the non-spiral group. Of 75 spiral fractures, 72 showed a fracture morphology attributed to external rotation force. There were 13 lateral malleolar fractures that were defined as within 6 cm from the distal end of the fibula. No lateral malleolar fractures showed the typical morphology of isolated supination/external rotation-type ankle injuries. The displaced syndesmotic injuries commonly coexisting in pronation/external rotation-type ankle injuries were not observed.Most spiral tibial shaft fractures were caused by external rotation force. However, the morphology of concomitant peri-ankle fractures was inconsistent with typical mechanisms of isolated external rotation ankle injuries.

Orthopaedic trauma care during the early COVID-19 pandemic in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific region countries, with their large and socioeconomically diverse populations and infrastructures, were amongst the earliest to have to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the disease is not one of surgical trauma, its effects on orthopaedic injuries have been significant. Medical systems had to adapt to better focus on patients with a highly communicable disease, while continuing to provide essential services. Even though many countries saw a decrease in traumatic injuries during the initial periods, orthopaedic trauma services nevertheless had to adapt accordingly to system-wide organizational changes. While each country took their individual approaches to address the pandemic, there were also consistencies in how musculoskeletal injuries and conditions were handled during these early stages of the pandemic. This article reviews those early management approaches to musculoskeletal injury care during the COVID-19 pandemic in different countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region following the initial outbreak in China: Australia, South Korea, and Japan.

Potentially serious adverse effects from application of a circumferential compression device for pelvic fracture: A report of three cases.

Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs) have gained wide acceptance in the management of patients with pelvic fracture. These devices are considered safe due to their noninvasive nature and significant hazards associated with the use of PCCDs have not been reported previously. However, we present herein the cases of three patients who received PCCD application and eventually developed major complications presumably caused by PCCDs. As a result, one patient developed surgical site infection following internal fixation and required several debridements. Another patient ended up with a walking disability. The remaining patient eventually died from exsanguination following application of the PCCD. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for deleterious effects, including bladder rupture, muscle necrosis, and vessel injuries. In particular, application for acetabular fractures and prolonged application of PCCDs should be avoided.

Conservative Treatment of an Intra-Articular Shear Fracture of the Ulnar Head.

Background Isolated intra-articular fracture of the ulnar head is rare. Case Description A 59-year-old woman experienced an ulnar head fracture involving the distal radioulnar joint after a fall at ground level. The intra-articular fragment of the ulnar head was rotated into anatomical alignment with an above-elbow cast in 90° of supination for 4 weeks. A below-elbow night splint was retained for 2 additional weeks. Twelve months post-injury, full active motion and bone union were achieved. Literature Review Only three studies have reported treatment of isolated intra-articular ulnar head fractures, and in all cases open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Clinical Relevance Our report demonstrated good results for the conservative treatment of an intra-articular ulnar head shear fracture, with early recovery of forearm rotation and wrist function.

Prevalence and distribution of air in the leg on preoperative multidetector high-resolution computed tomography in closed and low-grade open tibial shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: The prevalence and distribution of air present in the leg in closed and low-grade open tibial shaft fractures are unknown on multidetector high-resolution computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in cases where debridement was not performed in the area of air infiltration. METHODS: Eighty-one closed and low-grade open tibial shaft fractures that underwent multidetector high-resolution CT on admission and were treated with an intramedullary nail were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 36 Gustilo type I or II open fractures, all had local air around the fracture site (within 5 cm proximal and distal from the fracture center). Of these, 25 showed remote air (more than 5 cm away from the fracture center). The most frequent site of remote air was in the subcutaneous tissue, followed by the anterior compartment and deep posterior compartment. All open fractures were treated with local irrigation and debridement, regardless of the presence of remote air, followed by a reamed intramedullary nail. No SSI developed until bone union. Of the 45 closed fractures, 3 patients showed air in the leg on the CT. No debridement was performed for closed fractures. One patient who did not have air in the leg developed SSI. All fractures united eventually. CONCLUSIONS: In low-grade open tibial shaft fractures, air can spread far from the fracture site. Even in closed tibial shaft fractures, air can be identified in the leg. The debridement of the area of air infiltration, however, is not necessary for prevention of SSI.