Which type of fracture is most commonly associated with high rates of surgical site infection when ambulation is delayed?

The type of fracture that is most commonly associated with high rates of surgical site infection when ambulation is delayed is a proximal femur fracture. This is due to several factors related to the anatomy and the implications of such injuries.

Proximal femur fractures, often seen in elderly patients, involve the hip joint, which is critically important for ambulation and mobility. When ambulation is delayed, these patients remain immobilized for longer periods, increasing the risk of complications, including infections. The surgery to repair these fractures typically involves invasive procedures with significant soft tissue disruption and exposure to the surgical field, creating a higher risk for infections.

Moreover, the vascularity of the female femur and the common presence of comorbidities such as diabetes in this patient population can further compound the risk. Delayed weight-bearing and mobilization not only heighten the risk of surgical site infection but also increase the likelihood of other complications, such as deep vein thrombosis.

Other fracture types, such as distal radius, tibial, and humeral fractures, while they can also have infection risks, do not have the same level of association with delayed ambulation and the resulting complications as proximal femur fractures. Their surgical management and healing processes tend to allow for earlier mobil