Nonoperative management of pediatric grade 1 open fractures with less than a 24-hour admission.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of nonoperative management of pediatric grade 1 open fractures treated either in the emergency room only or with a less than 24-hour admission.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was done on all patients with this type of injury who were treated by nonoperative modalities in the emergency room and who were admitted for no more than 24 hours for administration of intravenously administered antibiotics. Our population included 25 patients who were followed up until healing was confirmed clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

One patient with persistent serosanguineous drainage from the wound site and fever was admitted for 48 hours of intravenously administered antibiotics for presumed infection. That patient went on to heal both clinically and radiographically without further complication. Therefore, our infection rate was 4.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the safe nonoperative treatment of grade 1 open fractures in our pediatric population. This management eliminates any possible anesthetic risk as well as significantly decreases the cost of caring for these patients in the health care system.