title: Infection rate in closed fractures after internal fixations in a municipal hospital in Ghana.
abstract: This prospective study conducted in the Holy Family Municipal Hospital in Techiman, Ghana aimed to determine the incidence of wound infection following internal fixation of closed fractures in a municipal hospital in a developing country. Between May 2000 and February 2005, 194 patients were treated for closed fractures, implanting a total of 215 internal fixations. Patients were reviewed 10, 30 and 120 days after operation. In 141 (73%) patients, a follow-up of four months was achieved. Of all patients, six developed an infection, two deep and four superficial. The cumulative incidence of wound infection after internal fixation was 3.3%. This study demonstrates that the incidence of wound infection following internal fixation is comparable with hospitals in a temperate climate in industrialized countries. We therefore conclude that specific tropical risk factors play a minimal role in the development of wound infection.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C G J
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Saris
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bastianen
authors.forename: E C A
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Mvan Swieten
authors.forename: H H J
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Wegdam
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery*; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006773:Hospitals, Municipal; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology