Fracture Related infection
What is fracture related infection?
This is an infection that follows a fracture of the bone. When the bone is injured the blood supply that keeps the bone cells alive can be damaged, leading to areas of bone susceptible to infection. Organisms can get into the fracture at the time of injury if the fracture breaches the skin (termed an open fracture). High energy injuries, such as motor vehicle or blast trauma, are at higher risk of developing bone infection due to more extensive contamination of the fracture and increased soft tissue trauma in the injured limb. Alternatively, it is possible that the infection might enter at the time of surgery when implants are used to fix the fractured bone. Sometimes the infection can develop due to poor wound healing following surgery or can arrive at the area via the blood stream.
One of the challenges of treating fracture related infection is the organisms can also live on the surface of the implants used to stabilise the bone. Therefore, careful decision-making is crucial in successfully treating the infection as well as achieving healing of the fractured bone. At the Oxford Limb Reconstruction and Infection Clinic we have extensive experience of managing some of the most complex fracture-related infection cases. This has allowed us to develop techniques that not only carry high rates of successful infection eradiation, but also support quicker return to normal activities.
What are the symptoms of infection after fracture?
Commonly those with fracture related infection have issues with their surgical wounds. Failure of heal or reopening of wounds over a fracture or metal work are diagnostic of infection. There might be redness or swelling in the limb. Commonly there is pain at the fracture site that fails to settle. It may also be present at night. However, sometimes the infection can be difficult to detect as Xray in the early stages after fracture can be difficult to interpret if infection is present. It might be that the only symptom present is the failure of the bone to heal. Xrays might show loosening of the metalwork or metalwork failure in this instance. A high index of suspicion in this instance is necessary as early diagnosis and prompt treatment can lead to quicker recover and less complex surgery.
Can the bone heal if there is an infected?
Although infection around a fracture significantly increases the risk of the bone not healing, it sometimes still possible a bone can heal in the presence of infection. Although infection can impede bone healing, there are several factors that determine the chances of healing. These include the type of infecting organism, the bone involved, the type of fracture fixation used, the quality of the surrounding soft tissues, and the presence of any associated medical problems. If the fracture doesn’t heal, known as a non-union, in the presence of infection, it is referred to as an ‘infected non-union’. The members of the Oxford Limb Reconstruction and Infection Clinic have extensive experience in managing the complications of fracture related infection. We have developed techniques that improve the outcomes with limb salvage surgery with a focus on early return to activity to aid recovery.
Contact Us
If you’re concerned about symptoms or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Oxford Limb Reconstruction and Infection Clinic. We’re here to help you understand your condition and explore the best treatment options.