Treatment strategies for fracture-related infections with concurrent soft tissue damage

Fracture-related infections are the predominant complication following surgical fracture treatment. The distal lower leg, e.g., in pilon tibial fractures, is at a high risk of infection due to poor soft tissue coverage, particularly in cases of open fractures in this area. Fracture-related infections with significant soft tissue damage require special attention alongside treatment of the infection itself. In general, the principle is that healing of fracture-related infection is not possible without sufficient soft tissue coverage. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate both soft tissue damage and fracture-related infection into a comprehensive treatment plan from the beginning. An interdiscpilinary treatment approach between trauma and plastic surgery is often necessary and beneficial. In cases, where fracture fixation devices or bone is exposed, mid- or long-term use of vacuum-assisted wound therapy is not advisable due to a higher risk of reinfection. Hence, an interdisciplinary treatment strategy involving trauma and plastic surgery should prioritize early soft tissue closure, referred to as the "orthoplastic approach". If this cannot be done in the own hospital, early patient transfer is indicated to ensure optimal interdisciplinary therapy with early soft tissue closure and simultaneous trauma surgical treatment to control the infection and enable bone healing. Free fasciocutaneous or muscle flap techniques in combination with adequate trauma surgical and antibiotic therapy lead to good reliable results in these situations.