Surgical management of lower limb fractures in patients with spinal cord injury less associated with complications than non-operative management: A retrospective series of cases

Patients with spinal cord injuries often experience bone loss and are prone to fractures, especially in the lower limbs. These fractures can lead to various complications, increasing healthcare costs and impacting patient well-being. The study compares surgical and non-surgical treatments for lower limb fractures in individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries, focusing on the occurrence of overall complications. The findings suggest that surgery may be a preferable option for managing these fractures, as it appears to be associated with fewer overall complications compared to non-surgical methods.

• 1
  The overall rate of complications was significantly higher after non-surgical treatment (63.2%) compared to surgical treatment (25.0%).
• 2
  Femoral fractures were significantly more likely to be treated with surgery compared to tibial fractures (P < 0.001).
• 3
  Non-surgical managements were plaster casts (37%) or braces (63%) and surgical treatments were most of the time open reduction with internal fixation such as intramedullary nails (50%).