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Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of tibia fractures, particularly open fractures, which present significant challenges in management and recovery. Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of open tibia fractures in RTA patients presenting to Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Orthopedics Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital from April 2024 to October 2024. Data were collected from 120 patients using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Sample size was calculated using the precision formula with a 95% confidence interval and 1% level of significance.  Results: The study included 120 patients, with a mean age of 32.5±12.6 years. The majority were male (70.8%), and 83.3% of fractures were caused by RTAs. Open fractures accounted for 37.5% of cases, with Type II and Type IIIA being the most common. Associated bone injuries were present in 33.3% of cases, and the most common surgical procedure was open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), performed in 58.3% of patients. The average hospital stay was 7.3 days, with infections and non-union being common complications in open fractures. Conclusion: It is concluded that open tibia fractures are a significant consequence of road traffic accidents, with male patients and young adults being the most affected. Surgical management, including ORIF, is frequently required, but complications such as infection and delayed union remain common.