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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
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Zenodo
2026
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20321198 |
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Table of Contents:
- PURPOSE: Pretibial injuries are common, especially in older adults and patients on anticoagulants, and are often complicated by delayed healing, infection, or tissue necrosis. We aimed to review how these injuries present, how they are managed, and what outcomes our unit has observed. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with pretibial lacerations or hematomas referred to plastic surgery between January and December 2024. We collected data on patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, injury characteristics, management strategies, complications, and graft outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were identified (mean age 55 years, range 6-94; 46% >65 years; F:M ratio 1.2:1). Injury type: 70 (77%) lacerations, 21 (23%) hematomas. Mechanism: falls 40%, blunt trauma 44%, dog bites 10%, others 6%. Comorbidities: 72% had at least one; 16% anticoagulated, 9% on antiplatelets, 8% on steroids. Complications occurred in 17 patients (19%): 14 infections, 2 transfusions, 1 AKI/transfusion. Non-operative management carried higher infection rates (5/5 cases). Of 12 operated cases, 2 required re-operation. Mortality within one year was 11%, half on anticoagulation. CONCLUSION: Pretibial injuries carry considerable risk, particularly for elderly, anticoagulated, or medically complex patients. Infection was notably more common in patients managed without surgery. Early surgical intervention and consistent, detailed documentation may improve outcomes.