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Epidemiologia, classificazione, timing

Epidemiology, classification, timing

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LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational

Abstract

The severity of an open fracture has been well understood for a long time. The frequency of open fractures observed in any area varies according to geographical and socioeconomic factors, population size, and trauma delivery systems. The classification of open fractures as described by Gustilo and Anderson and later modified by Gustilo, Mendoza and Williams is the most frequently quoted system in contemporary literature and it is widely used. Oestern and Tscherne suggested a classification based on soft-tissue damage and on the extent of muscle contusion rather than on the size of skin wound. The most recent classification system is that of the AO group. This very detailed classification is designed to be used in conjunction with the Müller AO Classification of fractures—long bones. The treatment of open fractures aims to preserve life, limb and joint function, in that order of priority. The intermediate objectives are: prevention of infection, fracture stabilisation, soft-tissue coverage. As these goals are interdependent, a coordinated treatment plan with early surgical intervention is required.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UOC di Orto-Traumatologia, ASLCE Ospedale “S.G. Moscati”, Aversa, CE, Italia

    A. Pellegrino

  2. UOC di Orto-Traumatologia, ASL NA1 Ospedale “San Paolo”, Napoli, Italia

    M. Longo

  3. Dipartimento di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Università degli Studi di Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italia

    L. Romano

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  1. A. Pellegrino
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Correspondence to A. Pellegrino.

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Pellegrino, A., Longo, M. & Romano, L. Epidemiologia, classificazione, timing. LO SCALPELLO 30, 2–10 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11639-016-0153-0

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