Management of open fractures and subsequent complications

Early, systemic, wide-spectrum antibiotic therapy is necessary for the treatment of open fractures. The bead pouch technique delivers antibiotics locally and prevents secondary wound contamination. The open fracture wound should be thoroughly débrided. To avoid the complication of gas gangrene, the wound should not be closed. Extensive soft-tissue damage may necessitate the use of local or free flaps. Techniques of fracture stabilization depend on the anatomic location of the fracture and the characteristics of the injury. Early bone grafting and supplemental procedures may be needed to achieve healing. Management of the infected open fracture is based on radical débridement, skeletal stabilization, microbial-specific antibiotics, soft-tissue coverage, and reconstruction of bone defects.