title: A retrospective analysis of open fractures sustained by U.S. military personnel during Operation Just Cause.
abstract: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 37 open fracture cases sustained by U.S. military personnel during the recent low-intensity conflict in Panama (Operation Just Cause). The etiology, location, classification, and management of open fractures sustained in combat is presented. A significant difference was noted in the infection rate for type III open fractures that were debrided in Panama (22%) as compared to those that were debrided only after transport to CONUS (66%). This study supports the critical importance of adequate battlefield surgical support in low-intensity conflicts, and reemphasizes the crucial role of early surgical debridement for the prevention of wound infection.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Branch, U.S. Army Institute of Dental Research, Washington, DC 20307-5300.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Erpelding
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010176:Panama / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014857:Warfare; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology