Comparing outcomes following direct admission and early transfer to specialized trauma centers in open tibial fracture treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Guidelines on the management of open tibia fractures recommend timely treatment in a limb reconstruction center which offer joint orthopedic-trauma and plastic surgery services. However, patient’s transfer between centers remains inevitable. This review aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and hospital factors for patients directly admitted and transferred patients to a limb-reconstruction center. Methods: A research protocol adhering to PRISMA standards was established. The search included databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library up until March 2023. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, focusing on open tibia fractures. Exclusion criteria were experimental studies, animal studies, and case reports. Outcomes of interest were operation and infection rates, nonunion, limb salvage, and the Enneking limb score. Results: The analysis involved data from 520 patients across nine studies published between 1990 and 2023, with the majority (83.8%) having Gustilo Anderson type III open tibia fractures. Directly admitted patients showed lower overall infection rates (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10–0.90; P = 0.03) and fewer deep infections (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.22–0.68; P = 0.001) compared to transferred patients. Transferred patients experienced an average five-day delay in soft tissue closure and extended hospital stays by eight days. Patients transferred without initial surgical management underwent fewer total surgical procedures. The direct admission group displayed more favorable functional outcomes. Conclusion:: Low- to moderate-quality evidence indicates worse clinical outcomes for transferred patients compared to directly admitted patients. Early treatment in specialized limb reconstruction units is essential for improved results in the management of open tibia fractures. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IIa.