Posttraumatic orthopaedic wound infections

a current review of the literature

Abstract

Posttraumatic orthopaedic wound infections can occur and when they do they may cause significant morbidity and cost to patients. Orthopaedic wound infections must be recognized as early as possible to afford patients the best chances of recovery. Wound infections often require repeat hospitalization(s), operative revision(s), infectious disease consultation, physiological optimization, and an extended period of oral or intravenous antibiotics or both. An orthopaedic surgeon or caregiver must be cognizant of the patient’s risk factors and appropriate preventive measures preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively to maximize best practices. By being aware of the clinical signs, symptoms, and best diagnostic tools, an orthopaedic surgeon will help decrease the morbidity and mortality from orthopaedic wound infections. The goals of this review article are to enhance the orthopaedic surgeon’s knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic wound infections by providing an overview of the most up-to-date materials that will help in the recognition and definitive management of posttraumatic orthopaedic wound infections.