Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice
Published on: October 16, 2014
A qualitative study to reveal devastating impacts of chronic fracture-related infection
Hongri Wu1,2, Shengpeng Yu3, Haizhen Xia4
1Department of Orthopaedics, Navy 905th Hospital, Navy Medical University, Huashan Road No. 1328, Changning District, Shanghai, 200050, People's Republic of China. 408394817@qq.com.
Abstract:
A substantial proportion of the estimated 178 million new fractures occurring worldwide in 2019 are complicated by fracture-related infection (FRI), with reported rates of approximately 5%. The treatment is complex, including multiple surgeries and long courses of antibiotics, and carries a high risk of recurrence. This study aimed to explore the multidimensional impacts of fracture-related infection (FRI) on patients' lives through qualitative investigations. This single-center study in China conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 19 patients (11 males, 8 females; age range: 23-73 years) with chronic, complex fracture-related infection (FRI) who underwent definitive surgical intervention and antimicrobial therapy for FRI at a specialized bone infection center. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using thematic framework analysis. A multidimensional conceptual framework of disease burden was employed to structure the analytical themes. To ensure rigor, dual coding was performed on four randomly selected transcripts. Participants were interviewed 6-12 months post-revision surgery. Thematic analysis revealed six overarching themes: disease onset and perception, physiological impacts, psychological distress, social consequences, resource utilization and burden, and unmet support needs. Participants described delayed diagnoses, persistent pain, functional disabilities, and profound psychosocial disruptions, with many labeling FRI as "devastating" or "life-altering." Persistent infections necessitated prolonged antibiotic use, repeated surgeries, and substantial financial strain. Social stigma, role reversals, and unemployment exacerbated isolation, while fragmented care pathways and inadequate clinician-patient communication amplified uncertainty. Our findings underscore FRI's intersectional burdens, demanding multidisciplinary interventions to address its prevention and treatment. This study highlights the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic protocols, patient-centered care models, and policy refinement to mitigate FRI's societal and economic toll.
Insights
Fracture-related infection (FRI) significantly impacts patients' lives, causing physical, psychological, and social burdens. Addressing these multidimensional impacts requires improved diagnostics and patient-centered care models for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Qualitative Health Research
Background:
- Fracture-related infection (FRI) affects millions globally, presenting complex treatment challenges and high recurrence rates.
- Current treatment involves multiple surgeries and prolonged antibiotics, often with suboptimal patient outcomes.
- The full scope of FRI's impact on patients' lives remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively investigate the multidimensional impacts of fracture-related infection (FRI) on patients' lived experiences.
- To explore the physiological, psychological, social, and economic burdens associated with chronic FRI.
- To identify unmet support needs and inform patient-centered care strategies.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 patients diagnosed with chronic, complex FRI in China.
- Interviews were thematically analyzed using a multidimensional disease burden framework.
- Rigorous analysis included verbatim transcription, anonymization, and dual coding of selected transcripts.
Main Results:
- Six themes emerged: disease onset/perception, physiological impacts, psychological distress, social consequences, resource utilization/burden, and unmet support needs.
- Patients reported delayed diagnoses, persistent pain, functional disability, and profound psychosocial disruption, deeming FRI 'life-altering'.
- Prolonged treatments, financial strain, social stigma, unemployment, and fragmented care exacerbated patient suffering.
Conclusions:
- Fracture-related infection imposes severe, multidimensional burdens on patients, extending beyond physical symptoms.
- Effective management necessitates multidisciplinary interventions addressing psychological, social, and economic aspects.
- Enhanced diagnostic protocols, patient-centered care, and policy reforms are crucial to mitigate FRI's societal and economic toll.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...