Initial treatment of severe soft-tissue injuries in closed and open fractures to prevent fracture-related infection

Abstract

The management of soft tissue damage during fracture treatment requires surgical proficiency and meticulous care adhering to established treatment protocols. This approach is paramount for minimizing the risk of potentially limb- or even life-threatening complications such as fracture-related infection (FRI) in all age groups. There is a general consensus on essential measures such as wound assessment, surgical debridement and early use of antibiotics. Treatment should always be based on the correct classification of the fracture and the corresponding soft tissue injury, but needs to be adapted to the individual patient considering general health status, secondary diagnoses and currently available treatment options.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Fracture; Fracture fixation; Fracture-related infection (FRI); Gustilo and Anderson classification; Lesion; Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT); Soft tissue damage.