Focused high energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fhESWT) is used to support fracture healing in non-union cases and has been shown to have antibacterial effects. We trialed fhESWT as an adjunct to conventional treatment in a clinically relevant rabbit model of fracture related infection. A complete humeral osteotomy was performed in 31 rabbits and fixed with a 7-hole-LCP. A fracture-related infection (FRI) was established with Aim
Method
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. 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.Aim
Method
Open fractures still have a high risk for fracture-related Infection (FRI). The optimal duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) for open fractures remains controversial due to heterogeneous guidelines and highly variable prophylactic regimens in clinical practice. In order to provide further evidence with which to support the selection of antibiotic duration for open fracture care, we performed a preclinical evaluation in a contaminated rabbit fracture model. A complete humeral osteotomy in 18 rabbits was fixed with a 7-hole-LCP and inoculated with Aim
Method
Treatment regimens for fracture-related infection (FRI) often refer to the classification of Willenegger and Roth, which stratifies FRIs based on time of onset of symptoms. The classification includes early (<2 weeks), delayed (2–10 weeks) and late (>10 weeks) infections. Early infections are generally treated with debridement and systemic antibiotics but may not require implant removal. Delayed and late infections, in contrast, are believed to have a mature biofilm on the implant, and therefore, treatment often involves implant removal. This distinction between early and delayed infections has never been established in a controlled clinical or preclinical study. This study tested the hypothesis that early and delayed FRIs respond differently to treatment comprising implant retention. A complete humeral osteotomy in 16 rabbits was fixed with a 7-hole-LCP and inoculated with Aim
Method
