title: Treatment of compound fractures.
abstract: Management of compound fractures remains a challenge to the surgeon. Methods to decrease patient morbidity include early fracture stabilization and sequential débridement. External fixation remains the standard; however, early internal fixation in low-grade injuries may be an acceptable option. Early soft tissue coverage is critical. The use of prophylactic parenteral antibiotics has decreased the incidence of acute infection and chronic osteomyelitis. Supplemental use of local antibiotic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads appears to further diminish the morbidity in high-grade open fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40292.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Seligson
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Henry
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010027:Osteotomy; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008768:Methylmethacrylates