Management of Acute and Subacute Fracture-Related Infection.

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a serious complication that occurs primarily in surgically treated fractures. FRIs occur when bacteria enter the site of bony injury and alter the healing inflammatory response within the bone. This can prevent bone regeneration and can lead to long-lasting complications such as chronic infection, pain, nonunion, and amputation. FRIs can span a wide range of severity, and only recently has the international community come to a consensus on specific definitions and guidelines for treatment. Principles of FRI management include identification of at-risk injuries with correction of modifiable risk factors, the achievement of adequate bony union and fracture healing, thorough eradication of the offending microorganism, and restoration of function. Treatment strategies involving implant retention versus removal depend on several factors, including the acuity of the infection, host physiology, initial reduction quality and fracture stability, and implant stability. Antibiotic treatment of FRI has historically been intravenous; however, emerging data suggest oral antibiotics may be just as efficacious.