title: Management of the patient with complex orthopaedic fractures.
abstract: Patients who sustain complex orthopaedic fractures related to a traumatic event can develop devastating complications. Patients who sustain open fractures are at greater risk for complications such as wound and systemic infections and nonunion of the fracture itself. This article describes the management of open complex extremity fractures through a case study approach.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Zavotsky
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Banavage
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing / Q000379:methods*