Research: Is operative management of fractures safe in the collocated burn and fracture injury?

Previous studies have supported the use of internal fixation for early mobility and simplified wound care. In this paper, the authors review the management of a collocated major fracture and dermal burn injury in adult multi-trauma patients. In particular, this study examines the methods and timing for fracture fixation and the fracture complications observed. They observed a high rate of fracture complications with internal fixation, despite undergoing management within 24 h of presentation. They write, "At this point, we are unable to conclude on the safety of utilising internal fixation in the collocated injury."

Reference: Bradshaw, L., Wasiak, J., Cleland, H. Is operative management of fractures safe in the collocated burn and fracture injury? Injury 46(6) 1 June 2015, pp.1145-1149