Infection after fracture osteosynthesis – Part I: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification. (17th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Christian; Wong, Tak-Man; Lau, Tak-Wing; To, Kelvin KW; Wong, Samson SY; Leung, Frankie
• Is Part Of: Journal of orthopaedic surgery. Volume 25:Number 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-02-17
• Subjects: biofilms -- fracture fixation -- prosthesis-related infections -- surgical wound infection; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; 617.3
• DOI: 10.1177/2309499017692712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-5536

Abstract

Bone and surgical site infections after osteosynthesis are notoriously difficult to manage and pose a tremendous burden in fracture management. In this article, we use the term osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI) to refer to this clinical entity. While relatively few surgically treated fractures become infected, it is challenging to perform a rapid diagnosis. Optimal management strategies are complex and highly customized to each scenario and take into consideration the status of fracture union, the presence of hardware and the degree of mechanical stability. At present, a high level of relevant evidence is unavailable; most findings presented in the literature are based on laboratory work and non-randomized clinical studies. We present this overview of OAI in two parts: an examination of recent literature concerning OAI pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification and a review of treatment options.