title: Prevention of Infection in Open Fractures.
abstract: Open fractures are complex injuries that are associated with increased risk for complications, such as infection and nonunion. The goals of open fracture management are prevention of infection, fracture union, and restoration of function. These goals are best achieved by careful patient and injury assessment, early administration of systemic antibiotics supplemented by local delivery of antibiotics in severe injuries, thorough surgical debridement, wound management with soft tissue coverage if needed, and stable fracture fixation.
authors.affiliation: LAC+USC Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, GNH 3900, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Electronic address: zalavras@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Charalampos G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Zalavras
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003646:Debridement; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000382:microbiology*; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Antibiotics; Debridement; Fracture fixation; Infection; Open fracture; Soft tissue coverage