Age as a prognostic factor in open tibial fractures in children.

Abstract

Thirty-one consecutive open fractures of the tibia were reviewed prospectively. Duration from injury until last examination averaged 3.7 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison: Group A consisted of children younger than 12 years of age and Group B of patients 12 years of age or older. The fractures were graded according to the system of Gustilo and Anderson. The severity of patient injuries in each group was similar. The treatments were likewise similar, but for all parameters studied, the younger patients fared better than their older counterparts. This study suggests that open fractures in children younger than 12 years of age require less aggressive surgical treatment, heal faster, are more resistant to infection, and have fewer complications than those in older children.