The Welsh Burn Centre for Burns & Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding basic physics behind open fractures leads to a better understanding of mechanism of injury, open fractures pathophysiology and management.
Explaining local changes in viability of open fracture involved tissues, importance of debridement and reconsidering contamination risks will be ultimate objectives after going through this review.
The controversy is still there between minimal / conservative debridement of open fracture wounds in favour of direct closure of soft tissue on the same session against generous debridement and delayed closure by more complicated choices on the reconstructive ladder to avoid infection, delayed healing, wound chronicity, limb loss and prolonged hospital stay.
In the article, basic physics behind open fractures is highlighted to gain a deeper understanding of tissue viability changes and contamination risks after injury.
