Abstract
Purpose
Hidden infections in a reconstructive surgery program are frequently underestimated.
Methods
A retrospective study was undertaken of 1,891 civilian war-wounded patients from Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Gaza treated in Amman from August 2006 to January 2016. One thousand three hundred and fifty-three underwent surgical interventions for previous bone injury and had systematic bone cultures.
Results
Among patients (167) without any clinical, biological or radiological signs of infection, 46% demonstrated infection based on bone cultures. We conclude that bone culture should become a prerequisite for any reconstruction in such contexts.
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Hérard, P., Boillot, F. & Fakhri, R.M. Bone cultures from war-wounded civilians in the Middle East: a surgical prospective. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 41, 1291–1294 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-016-3382-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-016-3382-1