Impact of Infection on Fracture Fixation

Abstract

Surgical site infection can be a devastating complication that results in significant morbidity in patients who undergo operative fixation of fractures. Reducing the rate of infection and wound complications in high-risk trauma patients by giving early effective antibiotics, improving soft tissue management, and using antiseptic techniques is a common topic of discussion. Despite heightened awareness, there has not been a significant reduction in surgical site infection over the past 40 years. Patients should be treated aggressively to eliminate or suppress the infection, heal the fracture if there is a nonunion, and maintain the function of the patient.