Prevention and treatment of infected foot and ankle wounds sustained in the combat environment

Foot Ankle Clin. 2010 Mar;15(1):91-112. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2009.10.002.

Abstract

Combat injuries to the foot and ankle are challenging to treat due to frequent high-energy mechanisms, environmental contamination, and soft tissue and bony damage. Prevention and treatment of infections in injuries to the foot and ankle are critical to achieving the goals of tissue healing and restoration of function. The guidelines for treatment of these foot and ankle injuries are similar to those in place for civilians; however, allowances must be made for the realities of combat including an often austere environment, the need for evacuation, and limitations on resources available for treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Injuries / complications
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Debridement / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Injuries / complications
  • Foot Injuries / surgery
  • Fractures, Open / complications
  • Fractures, Open / surgery
  • Humans
  • Leg Injuries / complications
  • Leg Injuries / surgery*
  • Male
  • Military Medicine / standards
  • Military Medicine / trends
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / complications
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Warfare*
  • Wound Healing / physiology
  • Wound Infection / etiology
  • Wound Infection / prevention & control*
  • Wound Infection / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents