LAUSR

Open fractures in children differ from adults owing to their better healing potential. Management strategies for open fracture in children are changing with improvement in our understanding of soft-tissue reconstruction and fracture fixation. A literature review was performed for articles covering management of open fractures in children. The cornerstones of management include prevention of infection, debridement, and skeletal stabilization with soft-tissue coverage. The injury should be categorized according to the established trauma classification systems. Timely administration of appropriate antibiotics is important for preventing infections. Soft-tissue management includes copious irrigation and debridement of the wound. Fractures can be stabilized by a variety of nonoperative and operative means, taking into consideration the special needs of the growing skeleton and the role of a thick and active periosteum in the healing of fractures. The soft-tissue coverage required depends on the grade of injury.