Severe open fractures present challenges to orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, with increased risks of significant complications. Although different global regions have different resources and systems, there continue to be many consistent approaches to open fracture care. Management of these complex injures continues to evolve in areas ranging from timing of initial operative debridement to the management of critical-sized bone defects. This review, compiled by representative members of the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association, focuses on several critical areas of open fracture management, including antibiotic administration, timing of debridement, bone loss, soft tissue management, and areas of need for future investigation.
Keywords: antibiotic administration; bone defect; open fractures; surgical timing; wound coverage.
Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.