Prevention of the Infected Fracture: Evidence-Based Strategies for Success!

Authors

Cyril Mauffrey, Denver Health Med Center
David J. Hak, Denver Health Med Center
David Rojas, Denver Health Med Center
Kent Doan, Denver Health Med Center
Brendan R. Southam, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Michael T. Archdeacon, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Martin Boyer, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Michael McKee, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Peter V. Giannoudis, University of Leeds
Emil H. Schemitsch, Western University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2019

Journal

Journal of orthopaedic trauma

Volume

33

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1097/BOT.0000000000001469

Abstract

There is a significant burden of disease associated with infected fractures, and their management is challenging. Prevention of infection after musculoskeletal trauma is essential because treatment of an established infection continues to be a major obstacle. Despite the need for evidence-based decision making, there is a lack of consensus around strategies for prevention and surgical management of the infected fracture. The current evidence for the prevention of the infected fracture is reviewed here with a focus on evidence for antibiotic therapy and debridement, the induced membrane technique, management of soft-tissue defects, patient optimization, and adjuncts to prevent infection.