Management of the patients with grade I open fractures by low-velocity gunshots in San Vicente de Paul University Hospital, 2002-2003

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of the management of grade I open fractures by low-velocity gunshots, without surgical debridement. A retrospective study evaluating the clinical histories of patients admitted in the emergency room with this diagnose between January 2002 and June 2003. Search was carried out within 77 fractures in 74 patients, until achieving the clinical and radiological consolidation of the fractures. All the patients received antibiotic treatment according to the protocols of the trauma service. The majority of fractures occurred in long bones: Tibia (19%), Femur (18%) and Humerus (17%). No patient required surgical debridement in the evolution of the treatment. A total of 53.2% of the fractures was treated nonoperatively, 40.2% with open reduction and internal fixation, and 6.6% external fixation. None of the patients showed signs of infection in the evolution. In our experience open fractures grade I by low-velocity gunshots can be treated without surgical debridement. With this work we can recommend the treatment without surgical debridement for the patients with open fractures grade I by lowvelocity gunshots.