Contemporary Update on Fracture-Related Infection: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment

Fracture-related infection (FRI) can be a devastating complication after fracture surgery and presents many challenges for the treating clinician. A consensus definition including clinical, radiographic, and laboratory components has standardized the diagnosis and investigative efforts into this complex problem. Orthopaedic surgeons managing fractures must be able to appropriately diagnose and treat FRI, while adhering to basic principles to eradicate or suppress infection and promote fracture consolidation. From a multidisciplinary perspective, this review article examines contemporary literature regarding the definition, prevention, patient evaluation, management, and societal effect of FRI.