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The global burden of fracture-related infection: can we do better?
Willem-Jan Metsemakers1, T Fintan Moriarty2, Mario Morgenstern3
1Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Fracture-related infection is a major complication related to musculoskeletal injuries that not only has important clinical consequences, but also a substantial socioeconomic impact. Although fracture-related infection is one of the oldest disease entities known to mankind, it has only recently been defined and, therefore, its global burden is still largely unknown. In this Personal View, we describe the origin of the term fracture-related infection, present the available data on its global impact, and discuss important aspects regarding its prevention and management that could lead to improved outcomes in both high-resource and low-resource settings. We also highlight the need for health-care systems to be adequately compensated for the high cost of human resources (trained staff) and well-equipped facilities required to adequately care for these complex patients. Our aim is to increase awareness among clinicians and policy makers that fracture-related infection is a disease entity that deserves prioritisation in terms of research, with the goal to standardise treatment and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Insights
Fracture-related infection, a serious complication of bone fractures, significantly impacts patients and healthcare systems. Increased awareness and research are crucial for standardized prevention and treatment globally.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a significant complication of musculoskeletal injuries with severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences.
- Despite its long history, FRI has only recently been formally defined, leaving its global burden largely unquantified.
- The economic impact includes high costs for specialized staff and well-equipped facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the origin and global impact of fracture-related infection.
- To discuss prevention and management strategies for improved patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.
- To advocate for prioritizing FRI research and standardizing treatment for better global patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data on fracture-related infection.
- Analysis of clinical consequences and socioeconomic impact.
- Discussion of prevention, management, and healthcare system compensation.
Main Results:
- Fracture-related infection poses a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden.
- Current data on the global prevalence and impact of FRI are limited.
- Effective prevention and management strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Fracture-related infection requires greater recognition as a distinct disease entity.
- Prioritization of research is needed to standardize treatment and improve global patient outcomes.
- Healthcare systems must be adequately compensated for the resources required to manage FRI.
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