TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Optimising the Orthopaedic Trauma Society Open Fracture Classification system: a proposal for modification in the context of high civilian gunshot fractures
JO  - European journal of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology
A1  - Lunga, Zamalunga
A1  - Laubscher, Maritz
A1  - Graham, Simon Matthew
A1  - Held, Michael
A1  - Ferreira, Nando
A1  - Magampa, Ramanare
A1  - Maqungo, Sithombo
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - OBJECTIVES: Uniformly classifying long bone open fractures is challenging. The purpose of this study was to propose a modified Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) Open Fracture Classification System, developed in a setting with a high incidence of civilian gunshot fractures. <br><br>METHODS: From our prospectively collected database, we identified all patients with open tibia and femur fractures treated with intramedullary nailing over a 4 year period. All open fractures were retrospectively reclassified from the Gustilo-Anderson Classification system to the OTS Open Fracture Classification System. <br><br>RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven cases were identified. Ninety per cent of subjects were males. Their mean age was 34 years. The most common mechanism of injury was low-velocity civilian gunshot wounds (GSW) in 54.7% of cases. Soft tissue management was primary closure in 23.4% and soft tissue reconstruction in 24.1%. In 52.6% of cases (these all being secondary to civilian GSW), soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention. This is not included as a soft tissue management option in the OTS classification system. Fracture reclassification using the OTS Open Fracture Classification System was only possible in 47.5% of cases (Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1%). <br><br>CONCLUSION: We conclude that the OTS Open Fracture Classification System is not inclusive of all open tibia and femur fractures as it does not cater for gunshot fractures. We propose a modification as follows: alter 'wound debridement' to 'appropriate wound care' and to subcategorise 'Simple' into type A and B: healing via secondary intention and primary closure, respectively.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1633-8065
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00590-024-03853-6
ID  - ref1
ER  -