Management of Open Fractures

The basic principles and practical application of open fracture managements are discussed. The main aims of open fracture treatment are the control of shock as a life saving procedure and prevention of infection of the wound. The complete debridement of the wound is the one way to prevent infection, however, the trouble some problems are soft tissue closure and hardware implant for the fracture fixation. Skin closure including other soft tissues should be made primarily or as soon as possible in behalf of control infection but in secure state of the wound. The implant for the fixation of fracture should be limited for prevention of further infection of the wound. Multiple threaded pins and external fixation such as Hoffmann or Denham fixture are recommended for the open fracture treatment effectively. Systemic administration of properly selected anti-biotics are essential for the control of infection because of the all open fractures are contaminated at the time of injury.