Open fractures of the foot and ankle: an evidence-based review.
Open fractures have been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Morbidity and mortality rates have improved with the advancements in infectious disease, plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as damage control orthopaedics. Despite these advancements, few reports have focused on management of open foot and ankle fractures. This review outlines evidence-based principles for open fracture management and how these principles are applied to the foot and ankle.


METHODS
Level V, Expert Opinion.
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jeffrey
J
Manway
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania peterdhighlander@gmail.com.
Peter
P
Highlander
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D003646:Debridement; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D013524:Surgical Flaps
external and internal fixation; infections; soft tissue repair/trauma; surgical complications; trauma