Combined management of open tibial fractures course

Abstract

Lower limb trauma can present complex problems, and early correct management is crucial to optimise outcome. This can be difficult, however, especially in non-specialist centres where people with these injuries sometimes present. In an attempt to improve the delivery of surgical care, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) have recently published updated management guidelines, the Standards for the Management of Open Fractures of the Lower Limb (2009; www.bapras.org.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=141). The aims of these guidelines, and of the course, are to encourage cooperation between plastic surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons and to provide an evidence based rationale for treatment. This course complements the recent updated guidelines, and four of its authors teach the course. They are recognised for their expertise in the field and come from a background of orthopaedics, plastic surgery, and infectious diseases. The course …