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Bone cultures from war-wounded civilians in the Middle East: a surgical prospective

Hérard P, Boillot F, Fakhri RM

International orthopaedics, 2017

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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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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