Fracture fixation in polytraumatized patients-From an interdisciplinary early total/appropriate care to the safe definitive surgery concept.

The strategies for the timing of fracture fixation in polytrauma patients have changed with improvements in resuscitation and patient assessment. Specifically, the criteria for damage control have been formulated, and more precise parameters have been found to determine those patients who can safely undergo primary definitive fixation of major fractures. Our current recommendations are supported by objective and data-based criteria and development groups. Those were validated and compared to existing scores. This review article introduces the concept of "safe definitive surgery" and provides an update on the parameters used to clear patients for timely fixation of major fractures.

Cranio-cervical and traumatic brain injury patterns-do they differ between electric bicycle, bicycle, and motorcycle-induced accidents?

PURPOSE: With the growing technical options of power transmission and energy-saving options in electric drives, the number of E-bike-related accidents especially in an elderly population has increased. The aim of the current study was to compare if the increased velocity in comparison to conventional bikes translates into different injury patterns in the cranio-cervical and head region. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients admitted to our level one trauma center between 2009 and 2019 after being involved in an accident with either an E-bike, bicycle, or motorcycle and suffered cranio-cervical or traumatic brain injury. OUTCOMES: cranio-cervical/intracranial injury pattern. Data interpretation was conducted in an interdisciplinary approach. RESULTS: From 3292 patients treated in this period, we included 1068 patients. E-bikers were significantly older than bicyclists (or motorcyclists) and lay between the other two groups in terms of helmet use. Overall injury patterns of E-bikers resembled those found in motorcyclists rather than in bicyclists. E-bikers had a higher incidence of different cerebral bleedings, especially if no helmet was worn. Helmet protection of E-bikers resulted in a comparable frequency of intracranial bleeding to the helmeted bicyclists. CONCLUSION: The overall pattern of head and cervical injuries in E-bikers resembles more to that of motorcyclists than that of bicyclists. As they are used by a more senior population, multiple risk factors apply in terms of complications and secondary intracranial bleeding. Our study suggests that preventive measures should be reinforced, i.e., use of helmets to prevent from intracranial injury.

Systemic acylcarnitine levels are affected in response to multiple injuries and hemorrhagic shock - an analysis of lipidomic changes in a standardized porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: Along with recent advances in analytical technologies, TCA-cycle intermediates are increasingly identified as promising makers for cellular ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction during hemorrhagic shock (HS). For traumatized patients, the knowledge of the role of lipid oxidation substrates is sparse. In this study, we aimed to analyze the dynamics of systemic acylcarnitine (AcCa) release in a standardized polytrauma model with HS. METHODS: 52 male pigs (50 ± 5 kg) were randomized into two groups: Group IF (isolated fracture) was subject to a standardized femur shaft fracture. Group PT (polytrauma) was subject to a femur fracture, followed by blunt chest trauma, liver laceration and a pressure controlled hemorrhagic shock for 60 min. Resuscitation was performed with crystalloids. Fractures were stabilized by intramedullary nailing. Venous samples were collected at 6 timepoints (baseline, trauma, resuscitation, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h). Lipidomic analysis was performed via liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Measurements were collated with clinical markers and near-infrared spectrometry measurements (NIRS) of tissue perfusion. Longitudinal analyses were performed with linear mixed models and spearman's correlations were calculated. A p-value of 0.05 was defined as threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: From a total of 303 distinct lipids, we identified two species of long-chain AcCas. Both showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) two-fold increase after HS in Group PT that promptly normalized after resuscitation. This increase was associated with a significant decrease of the base excess (p = 0.005) but recovery after resuscitation was faster. For both AcCas, there were significant correlations with decreased muscle tissue oxygen delivery (p = 0.008, p = 0.003) and significant time-lagged correlations with the increase of creatine kinase (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results point to plasma AcCas as a possible indicator for mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular ischemia in HS. The more rapid normalization after resuscitation in comparison to acid base changes may warrant further investigation. STUDY TYPE: Experimental Animal Model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Patient satisfaction after elective implant removal of the lower extremity - a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The topic of elective implant removal (IR) in healed fractures of the lower extremity remains controversial, particularly when unspecific symptoms of discomfort, which cannot be quantified, are the primary indication. This study aims to assess indications and outcomes of elective IR of the lower extremity, focusing on unspecific symptoms of discomfort and patient satisfaction postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single level I academic trauma center. We included patients who underwent elective IR for healed fractures of the ankle, foot, patella, and proximal tibia from 2016 to 2021. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 6 weeks after IR. Our outcomes of interest were patient satisfaction, complications, and alleviation of complaints. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were included in the study. Unspecific symptoms of discomfort were the most common reason for IR in all investigated anatomical regions of the lower extremity (47.9%), followed by pain (43.1%) and limited range of motion (4.2%). 4.8% of patients experienced a combination of pain and range of motion limitation. Among all patients, 47.9% reported subjective improvement after IR. IRs based on unspecific symptoms of discomfort were significantly less likely to show alleviation of complaints after IR (27.5%, OR 0.19, p ≤ 0.01). Patients who reported limited range of motion (OR 1.7, p = 0.41) or pain (OR 6.0, p = 0) were significantly more likely to be satisfied after IR. Patients who reported sensitivity to cold weather also showed a decrease of complaints after IR (OR 3.6, p = 0.03). Major complications occurred in 2.1% of cases. The minor complication rate was 8.4% (predominantly impaired wound healing). Smoking patients showed a significantly higher risk of complications after IR (OR 5.2, p = 0.006). Persistent pain postoperatively was detected in 14.7%. CONCLUSION: When elective IR for consolidated fractures of the lower extremity is primarily motivated by patients' subjective symptoms of discomfort, the risk for postoperative dissatisfaction significantly increases. Objective symptoms on the other hand are associated with higher satisfaction after IR. While the procedure is generally safe, minor complications such as wound healing disorders can occur, especially in smokers. Patient education and well-documented informed consent are critical.

Is blinding in studies of manual soft tissue mobilisation of the back possible? A feasibility randomised controlled trial with Swiss graduate students.

STUDY DESIGN: Single-centre, two-parallel group, methodological randomised controlled trial to assess blinding feasibility. BACKGROUND: Trials of manual therapy interventions of the back face methodological challenges regarding blinding feasibility and success. We assessed the feasibility of blinding an active manual soft tissue mobilisation and control intervention of the back. We also assessed whether blinding is feasible among outcome assessors and explored factors influencing perceptions about intervention assignment. METHODS: On 7-8 November 2022, 24 participants were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to active or control manual interventions of the back. The active group (n = 11) received soft tissue mobilisation of the lumbar spine. The control group (n = 13) received light touch over the thoracic region with deep breathing exercises. The primary outcome was blinding of participants immediately after a one-time intervention session, as measured by the Bang blinding index (Bang BI). Bang BI ranges from -1 (complete opposite perceptions of intervention received) to 1 (complete correct perceptions), with 0 indicating 'random guessing'-balanced 'active' and 'control' perceptions within an intervention arm. Secondary outcomes included blinding of outcome assessors and factors influencing perceptions about intervention assignment among both participants and outcome assessors, explored via thematic analysis. RESULTS: 24 participants were analysed following an intention-to-treat approach. 55% of participants in the active manual soft tissue mobilisation group correctly perceived their group assignment beyond chance immediately after intervention (Bang BI: 0.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.25 to 0.84]), and 8% did so in the control group (0.08 [95% CI, -0.37 to 0.53]). Bang BIs in outcome assessors were 0.09 (-0.12 to 0.30) and -0.10 (-0.29 to 0.08) for active and control participants, respectively. Participants and outcome assessors reported varying factors related to their perceptions about intervention assignment. CONCLUSIONS: Blinding of participants allocated to an active soft tissue mobilisation of the back was not feasible in this methodological trial, whereas blinding of participants allocated to the control intervention and outcome assessors was adequate. Findings are limited due to imprecision and suboptimal generalisability to clinical settings. Careful thinking and consideration of blinding in manual therapy trials is warranted and needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05822947 (retrospectively registered).

Clinical validation of the "Straight-Leg-Evaluation-Trauma-Test" (SILENT) as a rapid assessment tool for injuries of the lower extremity in trauma bay patients.

PURPOSE: Clinical assessment of the major trauma patient follows international validated guidelines without standardized trauma-specific assessment of the lower extremities for injuries. This study aimed to validate a novel clinical test for lower extremity evaluation during trauma resuscitation phase. METHODS: This diagnostic, prognostic observational cohort study was performed on trauma patient treated at one level I trauma center between Mar 2022 and Mar 2023. The Straight-Leg-Evaluation-Trauma (SILENT) test follows three steps during the primary survey: inspection for obvious fractures (e.g., open fracture), active elevation of the leg, and cautious elevation of the lower extremity from the heel. SILENT was considered positive when obvious fracture was present and painful or pathological mobility was observed. The SILENT test was compared with standardized radiographs (CT scan or X-ray) as the reference test for fractures. Statistical analysis included sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic testing. RESULTS: 403 trauma bay patients were included, mean age 51.6 (SD 21.2) years with 83 fractures of the lower extremity and 27 pelvic/acetabular fractures. Overall sensitivity was 75% (95%CI 64 to 84%), and overall specificity was 99% (95%CI 97 to 100%). Highest sensitivity was for detection of tibia fractures (93%, 95%CI 77 to 99%). Sensitivity of SILENT was higher in the unconscious patient (96%, 95%CI 78 to 100%) with a near 100% specificity. AUC was highest for tibia fractures (0.96, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.0) followed by femur fractures (0.92, 95%CI 0.84 to 0.99). CONCLUSION: The SILENT test is a clinical applicable and feasible rule-out test for relevant injuries of the lower extremity. A negative SILENT test of the femur or the tibia might reduce the requirement of additional radiological imaging. Further large-scale prospective studies might be required to corroborate the beneficial effects of the SILENT test.

Does the injury pattern drive the surgical treatment strategy in multiply injured patients with major fractures?

BACKGROUND: The timing of definitive surgery in multiple injured patients remains a topic of debate, and multiple concepts have been described. Although these included injury severity as a criterion to decide on the indications for surgery, none of them considered the influence of injury distributions. We analyzed whether injury distribution is associated with certain surgical strategies and related outcomes in a cohort of patients treated according to principles of early and safe fixation strategies. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, multiple injured patients were included if they were primarily admitted to a Level I trauma center, had an Injury Severity Score of ≥16 points, and required surgical intervention for major injuries and fractures. The primary outcome measure was treatment strategy. The treatment strategy was classified according to the timing of definitive surgery after injury: early total care (ETC, <24 hours), safe definitive surgery (SDS, <48 hours), and damage control (DC, >48 hours). Statistics included univariate and multivariate analyses of mortality and the association of injury distributions and surgical tactics. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022, 1,471 patients were included (mean ± SD age, 55.6 ± 20.4 years; mean Injury Severity Score, 23.1 ± 11.4). The group distribution was as follows: ETC, n = 85 (5.8%); SDS, n = 665 (45.2%); and DC, n = 721 (49.0%); mortality was 22.4% in ETC, 16.1% in SDS, and 39.7% in DC. Severe nonlethal abdominal injuries (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.5) and spinal injuries (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2) were associated with ETC, while multiple extremity injuries were associated with SDS (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.2). Severe traumatic brain injury was associated with DC (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4). When a correction for the severity of head, abdominal, spinal, and extremity injuries, as well as differences in the values of admission pathophysiologic parameters were undertaken, the mortality was 30% lower in the SDS group when compared with the DC group (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.4). CONCLUSION: Major spinal injuries and certain abdominal injuries, if identified as nonlethal, trigger definitive surgeries in the initial setting. In contrast, severe TBI was associated with delayed fracture care. Patients with major fractures and other injuries were treated by SDS (definitive care, <48 hours) when the pathophysiological response was adequate. The choice of a favorable surgical treatment appears to depend on injury patterns and physiological patient responses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

3D-navigation for SI screw fixation - How does it affect radiation exposure for patients and medical personnel?

BACKGROUND: 3D-navigation for percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is becoming increasingly common and several studies report great advantages of this technology. However, there is still limited clinical evidence on the efficacy regarding radiation exposure for patient and personnel. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study. All patients who underwent percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation for an injury of the posterior pelvic ring from 2014 to 2021 were screened. Inclusion criteria were: conclusive radiation dosage reports, signed informed consent, a twelve month follow up and a complete data set. Patients were stratified in two groups (3D-navigation (Group 3D-N) vs. control (Group F)) based on the imaging modality used. Primary outcomes were radiation exposure for patient and personnel. Secondary outcomes were reoperations, complications, and intraoperative precision. RESULTS: Of 392 patients screened, 174 patients (3D-N: n = 50, F: n = 124) could be included for final analysis. We noted a significant reduction of the dose corresponding to potential radiation exposure for medical personnel (-15.3 mGy, 95 %CI: -2.1 to -28.5, p = 0.0232), but also a significant increase of the dose quantifying radiation exposure for patients (+77.0 mGy, 95 %CI: +53.3 to +100.6, p < 0.0001), when using navigation. In addition, the rate of radiographic malplacement was significantly reduced (F: 11.3% vs. 3D-N: 0 %, p = 0.0113) despite a substantial increase in transsacral screw placement (F: 19.4% vs. 3D-N: 76 %). CONCLUSION: Our data clearly suggests that the use of 3D-navigation for percutaneous SI screw fixation decreases radiation exposure for medical personnel, while increasing radiation exposure for patients. Furthermore, intraoperative precision is improved, even in more challenging operations.

Standard practice in the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries: an international survey.

PURPOSE: Unstable pelvic ring injury can result in a life-threatening situation and lead to long-term disability. Established classification systems, recently emerged resuscitative and treatment options as well as techniques, have facilitated expansion in how these injuries can be studied and managed. This study aims to access practice variation in the management of unstable pelvic injuries around the globe. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire including 15 questions was developed by experts from the SICOT trauma committee (Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie) and then distributed among members. The survey was conducted online for one month in 2022 with 358 trauma surgeons, encompassing responses from 80 countries (experience > 5 years = 79%). Topics in the questionnaire included surgical and interventional treatment strategies, classification, staging/reconstruction procedures, and preoperative imaging. Answer options for treatment strategies were ranked on a 4-point rating scale with following options: (1) always (A), (2) often (O), (3) seldom (S), and (4) never (N). Stratification was performed according to geographic regions (continents). RESULTS: The Young and Burgess (52%) and Tile/AO (47%) classification systems were commonly used. Preoperative three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scans were utilized by 93% of respondents. Rescue screws (RS), C-clamps (CC), angioembolization (AE), and pelvic packing (PP) were observed to be rarely implemented in practice (A + O: RS = 24%, CC = 25%, AE = 21%, PP = 25%). External fixation was the most common method temporized fixation (A + O = 71%). Percutaneous screw fixation was the most common definitive fixation technique (A + O = 57%). In contrast, 3D navigation techniques were rarely utilized (A + O = 15%). Most standards in treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries are implemented equally across the globe. The greatest differences were observed in augmented techniques to bleeding control, such as angioembolization and REBOA, more commonly used in Europe (both), North America (both), and Oceania (only angioembolization). CONCLUSION: The Young-Burgess and Tile/AO classifications are used approximately equally across the world. Initial non-invasive stabilization with binders and temporary external fixation are commonly utilized, while specific haemorrhage control techniques such as pelvic packing and angioembolization are rarely and REBOA almost never considered. The substantial regional differences' impact on outcomes needs to be further explored.

Surgical load in major fractures - results of a survey on the optimal quantification and timing of surgery in polytraumatized patients.

PURPOSE: It is known that the magnitude of surgery and timing of surgical procedures represents a crucial step of care in polytraumatized patients. In contrast, it is not clear which specific factors are most critical when evaluating the surgical load (physiologic burden to the patient incurred by surgical procedures). Additionally, there is a dearth of evidence for which body region and surgical procedures are associated with high surgical burden. The aim of this study was to identify key factors and quantify the surgical load for different types of fracture fixation in multiple anatomic regions. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was developed by experts from Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT)-Trauma committee. Questions included relevance and composition of the surgical load, operational staging criteria, and stratification of operation procedures in different anatomic regions. Quantitative values according to a five-point Likert scale were chosen by the correspondents to determine the surgical load value based on their expertise. The surgical load for different surgical procedures in different body regions could be chosen in a range between "1," defined as the surgical load equivalent to external (monolateral) fixator application, and "5," defined as the maximal surgical load possible in that specific anatomic region. RESULTS: This questionnaire was completed online by 196 trauma surgeons from 61 countries in between Jun 26, 2022, and July 16, 2022 that are members of SICOT. The surgical load (SL) overall was considered very important by 77.0% of correspondents and important by 20.9% correspondents. Intraoperative blood loss (43.2%) and soft tissue damage (29.6%) were chosen as the most significant factors by participating surgeons. The decision for staged procedures was dictated by involved body region (56.1%), followed by bleeding risk (18.9%) and fracture complexity (9.2%). Percutaneous or intramedullary procedures as well as fractures in distal anatomic regions, such as hands, ankles, and feet, were consistently ranked lower in their surgical load. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a consensus in the trauma community about the crucial relevance of the surgical load in polytrauma care. The surgical load is ranked higher with increased intraoperative bleeding and greater soft tissue damage/extent of surgical approach and depends relevantly on the anatomic region and kind of operative procedure. The experts especially consider anatomic regions and the risk of intraoperative bleeding as well as fracture complexity to guide staging protocols. Specialized guidance and teaching is required to assess both the patient's physiological status and the estimated surgical load reliably in the preoperative decision-making and operative staging.

Developments in the understanding of staging a "major fracture" in polytrauma: results from an initiative by the polytrauma section of ESTES.

PURPOSE: Although the term "major fracture" is commonly used in the management of trauma patients, it is defined insufficiently to date. The polytrauma section of ESTES is trying to develop a more standardized use and a definition of the term. In this process, a standardized literature search was undertaken. We test the hypothesis that the understanding of "major fractures" has changed and is modified by a better understanding of patient physiology. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the Medline and EMBASE databases was conducted in March 2022. Original studies that investigated surgical treatment strategies in polytraumatized patients with fractures were included: This included timing, sequence and type of operative treatment. A qualitative synthesis regarding the prevalence of anatomic regions of interest and core factors determining decision-making was performed. Data were stratified by decades. RESULTS: 4278 articles were identified. Of these, 74 were included for qualitative evaluation: 50 articles focused on one anatomic region, 24 investigated the relevance of multiple anatomic regions. Femur fractures were investigated most frequently (62) followed by pelvic (22), spinal (15) and tibial (15) fractures. Only femur (40), pelvic (5) and spinal (5) fractures were investigated in articles with one anatomic region of interest. Before 2010, most articles focused on long bone injuries. After 2010, fractures of pelvis and spine were cited more frequently. Additional determining factors for decision-making were covered in 67 studies. These included chest injuries (42), TBI (26), hemorrhagic shock (25) and other injury-specific factors (23). Articles before 2000 almost exclusively focused on chest injury and TBI, while shock and injury-specific factors (e.g., soft tissues, spinal cord injury, and abdominal trauma) became more relevant after 2000. CONCLUSION: Over time, the way "major fractures" influenced surgical treatment strategies has changed notably. While femur fractures have long been the only focus, fixation of pelvic and spinal fractures have become more important over the last decade. In addition to the fracture location, associated conditions and injuries (chest trauma and head injuries) influence surgical decision-making as well. Hemodynamic stability and injury-specific factors (soft tissue injuries) have increased in importance over time.

How to Clear Polytrauma Patients for Fracture Fixation: Results of a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Early patient assessment is relevant for surgical decision making in severely injured patients and early definitive surgery is known to be beneficial in stable patients. The aim of this systematic review is to extract parameters indicative of risk factors for adverse outcome. Moreover, we aim to improve decision making and separate patients who would benefit from early versus staged definitive surgical fixation. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles in English or German language published between (2000 and 2022) was performed. The primary outcome was the pathophysiological response to polytrauma including coagulopathy, shock/haemorrhage, hypothermia and soft tissue injury (trauma, brain injury, thoracic and abdominal trauma, and musculoskeletal injury) to determine the treatment strategy associated with the least amount of complications. Articles that had used quantitative parameters to distinguish between stable and unstable patients were summarized. Two authors screened articles and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Quantitative values for relevant parameters indicative of an unstable polytrauma patient were obtained. RESULTS: The initial systematic search using MeSH criteria yielded 1550 publications deemed relevant to the following topics (coagulopathy (n = 37), haemorrhage/shock (n = 7), hypothermia (n = 11), soft tissue injury (n = 24)). Thresholds for stable, borderline, unstable and in extremis conditions were defined according to the existing literature as follows: Coagulopathy; International Normalized Ratio (INR) and viscoelastic methods (VEM)/Blood/shock; lactate, systolic blood pressure and haemoglobin, hypothermia; thresholds in degrees Celsius/Soft tissue trauma: traumatic brain injury, thoracic and abdominal trauma and musculoskeletal trauma. CONCLUSION: In this systematic literature review, we summarize publications by focusing on different pathways that stimulate pathophysiological cascades and remote organ damage. We propose that these parameters can be used for clinical decision making within the concept of safe definitive surgery (SDS) in the treatment of severely injured patients.

The local soft tissue status and the prediction of local complications following fractures of the ankle region.

INTRODUCTION: Well-known risk factors (RF) for soft tissue complications following surgical treatment of fracture of the ankle region include diabetes, smoking, and the local soft tissue status. A weighted analysis might provide a risk profile that guides the surgical treatment strategy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a risk profile for soft tissue complications following closed fractures of the ankle region. METHODS: This review provides a meta-analysis of studies that investigate potential risk factors for complications in fractures of the ankle region. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Original articles that were published between 2000 and 2020 in English or German language that calculated odds ratios (OR) of RF for soft tissue complications. Further, this study only includes articles that investigated fractures of the ankle region including pilon fracture, calcaneal fractures, and fractures of the malleoli. This study excluded articles that provide exploratory analyses, narrative reviews, and case reports. RF were stratified as patient specific systemic RF (PSS), patient specific local RF (PSL), and non-patient specific RF (NPS). PSS RF includes comorbidities, American society of anaesthesiology (ASA), requirement of medication, additional injuries, and smoking or substance abuse. PSL RF includes soft tissue status, wounds, and associated complications. NPS RF includes duration of surgery, staged procedure, or time to definitive surgery. Random effect (RE) models were utilized to summarize the effect measure (OR) for each group or specific RF. RESULTS: Out of 1352 unique articles, 34 were included for quantitative analyses. Out of 370 complications, the most commonly assessed RF were comorbidities (34.6%). Local soft tissue status accounted for 7.5% of all complications. The overall rate for complication was 10.9% (standard deviation, SD 8.7%). PSS RF had an OR of 1.04 (95%CI 1.01 to 1.06, p = 0.006), PSL an OR of 1.79 (95% 1.28 to 2.49, p = 0.0006), and NPS RF an OR of 1.01 (95%CI 0.97 to 1.05, p = 0.595). Additional injuries did not predict complications (OR 1.23, 95%CI 0.44 to 3.45, p = 0.516). The most predictive RF were open fracture (OR 3.47, 95%CI 1.64 to 7.34, p < 0.001), followed by local tissue damage (OR 3.05, 95%CI 1.23 to 40.92, p = 0.04), and diabetes (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1 to 4.79, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Among all RFs for regional soft tissue complications, the most predictive is the local soft tissue status, while additional injuries or NPS RF were less predictive. The soft tissue damage can be quantified and outweighs the cofactors described in previous publications. The soft tissue status appears to have a more important role in the decision making of the treatment strategy when compared with comorbidities such as diabetes.