752 How Do We Manage Open Fractures in Emergency Department? – a Closed Loop Audit
C H Li, J Banks, M Zhu, H Tucker- Surgery
Abstract
Aim
Patient with an open fracture is resuscitated mainly by the emergency physician prior to being referred to the relevant surgical specialties. Yet, there is lack of uniform guidance in managing open fractures. This audit aimed to evaluate the existing guidelines at the emergency department.
Method
A retrospective search was performed at the Tertiary trauma center. Four main parameters were evaluated 1.) the photo documentation. 2.) Antibiotic administration rate 3.) Tetanus prophylaxis utilisation. 4.) Systematic evaluation of neurovascular status pre and post splint.
Results
41 patients (M: F, 63%:37%) were analysed. The most common open-fracture were lower-limb long bone (39%) and phalanx (39%) , followed by upper-limb long bone fracture (9.8%), head (7.3%), facial (2.4%) and pelvis (2.4%). Multiple fractures were seen in 20.9%. Multiple open fractures were only seen in 1 case. The average transfer time by ambulance to the hospital was 116 mins. 97.5% of open fractures received antibiotics: 13.3%, 60%, and 100% of patients received antibiotics respectively within 1hr, 3hr, and 6hr from the time of injury. 48.8% received tetanus prophylaxis, and only 4.87% have documented tetanus assessment. 100% has a neurovascular examination. 72% of open fractures required surgical intervention. The average time to the theatre was 16.7 hours.
Conclusions
Antibiotic administration within the first hour from the timing of the injury is not practical in real-life situations. Future work should focus on creating a universe open fracture grading system, beyond lower-limb fracture, to better inform clinicians of the prognosis of open fracture and help with risk stratification.