Retrospective analysis of 1104 open fractures treated over 11 years at a single institution, examining which patient, treatment, and fracture variables predispose to wound infection. Variables studied include antibiotic type and timing, debridement timing, fracture grade, wound closure method, and skeletal site.
In any open fracture, start broad-spectrum antibiotics (gram-positive and gram-negative coverage) as soon as possible — ideally within 3 hours.
And classify the wound by Gustilo-Anderson type to risk-stratify: Type III tibial fractures carry a >22% infection rate even with appropriate treatment and warrant delayed closure or early soft-tissue coverage within 7 days.
Retrospective analysis of 1104 open fractures treated over 11 years at a single institution, examining which patient, treatment, and fracture variables predispose to wound infection. Variables studied include antibiotic type and timing, debridement timing, fracture grade, wound closure method, and skeletal site.
In any open fracture, start broad-spectrum antibiotics (gram-positive and gram-negative coverage) as soon as possible — ideally within 3 hours.
And classify the wound by Gustilo-Anderson type to risk-stratify: Type III tibial fractures carry a >22% infection rate even with appropriate treatment and warrant delayed closure or early soft-tissue coverage within 7 days.