Infection after fracture fixation

Abstract

Infection after fracture fixation is a feared complication in orthopaedic surgery leading to poor bone healing and loss of function. Early detection is essential and interdisciplinary care is mandatory. Eradication of infection is only possible through combined surgical and antibiotic treatment. Intraoperative tissue samples must be taken and are effective for guidance of the antibiotic regimen. Infection after fracture fixation is different from prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and needs a specific strategy. In this review, we define infection after fracture fixation, and outline the clinical, radiological and laboratory signs of these infections, as well as a treatment algorithm for optimal patient care. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:468-475. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180093