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Review
. 2024 Oct 1;32(19):888-896.
doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00757. Epub 2024 Jul 2.

Management of Open Fractures of the Extremities and Pediatrics

Affiliations
Review

Management of Open Fractures of the Extremities and Pediatrics

Philip K Lim et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. .

Abstract

The modern management of open fractures was established after the foundational work of Gustilo and Anderson, but we continue to strive to determine the optimal treatment of open fractures to diminish the risk of infection. The ideal timing of antibiotics, presentation to the operating room, and timing of procedures such as flap coverage continue to be investigated with incremental changes recommended over the years. This article aims to provide the most recent review of the literature regarding the timing and management of both upper and lower extremity open fractures, pediatric open fractures, current topics of controversy, and the data supporting current treatment recommendations.

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References

    1. Gustilo RB, Anderson JT: Prevention of infection in the treatment of one thousand and twenty-five open fractures of long bones: Retrospective and prospective analyses. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1976;58:453-458.
    1. Lin CA, O'Hara NN, Sprague S, et al.: Low adherence to recommended guidelines for open fracture antibiotic prophylaxis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2021;103:609-617.
    1. AAOS/METRC Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Major Extremity Trauma Clinical Practice Guideline. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/SSITraumaCPG . Published March 21, 2022.
    1. Noonburg GE: Management of extremity trauma and related infections occurring in the aquatic environment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2005;13:243-253.
    1. Lack WD, Karunakar MA, Angerame MR, et al.: Type III open tibia fractures: Immediate antibiotic prophylaxis minimizes infection. J Orthop Trauma 2015;29:1-6.

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