Does right leg require extra protection? Five-year review of type 3 open fractures of the tibia

Y Imran, T Vishvanathan
Correspondence: Dr Imran Yusof, drimran93@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Introduction Open fracture of the tibia is very common among motorcyclists. The morbidity associated with this injury is well-documented as treatment of severe open fractures is very difficult. There is currently no study done in the literature to see the relationship between fracture severity and the side of the injury.
Methods We reviewed 239 patients with open fractures of the tibia admitted to our institution from 1998 to 2002.
Results From 241 tibias studied, 150 (62.2 percent) involved the right side and 91 (37.8 percent) involved the left side. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the severity of open fracture between the sides of fracture. Less severe injury (grades 1 and 2 fractures) was associated with injury of the left tibia and severe injury (grades 3A, B and C fractures combined) was associated with right tibia fracture.
Conclusion Since the right leg was more exposed to the injury, it is imperative to protect the limb. This may reduce the overall incidence and severity of tibia fractures.

Keywords: fracture, open fracture, road accidents, tibia, tibial fracture
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(6): 280-282