Does Serum Albumin Level Affect the Healing Outcomes of Simple Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures?

AIMS: To quantify the serum albumin level and its correlation with fracture healing progression and outcomes in adult patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective cohort study at an institutional trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 adult patients with simple, fresh traumatic diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the leg managed conservatively were included in the study. Serum albumin was measured initially and at the 6(th) week postfracture. The clinico-radiological follow-up was done to analyze the fracture healing progression and their final outcomes, which were correlated with the quantified serum albumin level of the patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: As per the last clinico-radiological follow-up at the 24(th) week, patients were grouped into two groups: Group I (normal union n = 38) and Group II (impaired healing n = 12). The mean serum albumin levels were significantly higher in Group I when compared to Group II. The association between the serum albumin level at baseline and at the 6(th) week was moderate. The best cut-off measure of serum albumin level was 3.45 g/dL, both at baseline and at the 6(th) week after fracture to predict the healing outcome. The correlation of serum albumin levels with fracture healing outcomes was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Serum albumin is moderately associated with the baseline and 6(th)-week values and showed a positive correlation with the bony healing progression and may provide an early predictor of the healing outcomes of simple diaphyseal tibial fractures.