Immediate internal fixation for open fractures of the long bones of the upper and lower extremities

Immediate open reduction with internal fixation was performed on 66 open fractures (54 patients) of the long bones in the upper or lower extremity, including one clavicle. Using the classification system of Gustilo, there were 13 (20%) type I, 30 (45%) type II, 11 (16%) type IIIA, six (9%) type IIIB, and six (9%) type IIIC soft tissue injuries. Thirty-two patients had associated major multiple trauma. Eighty-eight percent of the patients had good functional results using a modification of Katenjian's criteria. There were three late deep infections (4.5%), all at the sites of type III fractures. The nonunions occurred in four open fractures (6.1%). We conclude that, if a complete and timely debridement can be accomplished, immediate internal fixation of open fractures allows for improvement in ultimate function and a decrease in mortality in patients with multiple trauma. This procedure should be performed in selected patients who have type III open fractures, with careful attention to the general status of the patient and the severity of the soft tissue wound at the fracture site.