[Post-traumatic infections of the musculoskeletal locomotor system; prophylaxis and treatment]

An analysis of epidemiology of the post-traumatic infections of the locomotive system, prophylaxis and treatment in presented. Infections are the most severe complications of the open bone fractures and orthopedic surgery. An incident of inflammatory complications following the open bone fractures is very high (20% according to Burrie). An incidence of complications following orthopedic surgeries is somewhat lower--0.2-9.0%. Within 1976-1986, as much as 585 patients with chronic osteitis, including 222 patients with post-traumatic infections, were treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical Academy in Warsaw. Therapy depended on the general and local health status, and the types of surgery were diversified. The treatment included, first of all, radical removal of crushed and necrotic tissues, stabilization of the fractured bone fragments with the external stabilizer, AO plate or the Polish original method of the stable internal osteosynthesis--ZESPOL, decompression of the crack with the aid of permanent flow or suction drainage, systemic or local antibiotic therapy, administration of vasodilating agents, and the primary skin plasty in some cases.