A review of open fracture management

Abstract

A 1.5 year-old German Shepherd presented after running into working farm machinery. He was obtunded, tachycardic, tachypneic, actively hemorrhaging, and had extensive soft tissue and bony injury to both forelimbs. In the days following he underwent multiple surgeries to repair the fractures and manage his soft tissue injuries. This paper will focus on the successful management of open fractures, including the initial emergency stabilization of the patient, appropriate fracture stabilization techniques, long-term wound management, and secondary complications.