Management of open fractures.

An open fracture is an orthopaedic emergency that can lead to devastating complications and prolonged rehabilitation. The goals of treatment are to prevent infection, achieve bone union, and restore function. The treatment should involve the use of antibiotics, repeated thorough irrigation and debridement, early fracture stabilization, early wound closure, and aggressive rehabilitation. The result of treatment is largely affected by the initial soft-tissue loss, wound contamination, fracture stability, and neurovascular status.