Aim. Infection rates after management of open fractures are still high. Existing guidelines regarding prevention of this complication are inhomogeneous. A survey directed to orthopaedic trauma surgeons worldwide aims to give an overview of current practices in the management of open fractures. Method. An international group of trauma surgeons and infection specialists with experience in the field of musculoskeletal infections developed a questionnaire that was distributed via email to all AOTrauma members worldwide. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results. 1197 orthopaedic trauma surgeons answered the survey (response rate: 4,9% of all opened emails).
Drug therapy forms an integral part of the management
of many orthopaedic conditions. However, many medicines can produce
serious adverse reactions if prescribed inappropriately, either
alone or in combination with other drugs. Often these hazards are
not appreciated. In response to this, the European Union recently
issued legislation regarding safety measures which member states
must adopt to minimise the risk of errors of medication. In March 2014 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency and NHS England released a Patient Safety Alert initiative
focussed on errors of medication. There have been similar initiatives
in the United States under the auspices of The National Coordinating
Council for Medication Error and The Joint Commission on the Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations. These initiatives have highlighted
the importance of informing and educating clinicians. Here, we discuss common drug interactions and contra-indications
in orthopaedic practice. This is germane to safe and effective clinical
care. Cite this article: