Surgical timing for open fractures

Abstract

Controversy exists over the optimal management of open fractures as new clinical studies question open fracture management dogma. Open fractures are complex injuries requiring the orthopaedic surgeon to consider both the bone injury as well as associated soft tissue injury. Early intravenous antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis remain instrumental in infection prevention. However, the “six-hour rule” for initial open fracture debridement and revascularization has come into question. New evidence supports initial debridement within 24 hours with the appropriate surgical team. Additionally, orthopaedic surgeons and vascular surgeons should collaborate on the sequence of management of open fractures with associated vascular injury. Whereas debates on the optimal irrigation pressure and solution have been answered by multicenter randomized controlled trials, further research is required to determine the optimal irrigation volume and timing of wound closure. With advances in management of open fractures, the utility of well-known classification systems including the Gustilo-Anderson classification and Mangled Extremity Severity Score need to be re-evaluated in favor of up-to-date classification systems which better guide management and predict prognosis.