Pathophysiology of post-traumatic osteomyelitis

Over the last few decades, significant reduction of post-traumatic infections could be attained by establishing novel surgical techniques and tactics, by adapting surgical decisions to the risk of infection, by employing chemotherapeutic agents, and by developing new implants. Here a novel understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of post-traumatic and postoperative osteomyelitis were directive. Nevertheless, post-traumatic infections later cause significant physical and economic sequelae. This article sums up the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms of post-traumatic infection. New ideas about post-traumatic prevention and therapy of osteomyelitis are discussed.