Surgical Principles of Management of Orthopedic Infections
摘要
Orthopedic infections, including osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and necrotizing soft tissue infections, remain a significant clinical challenge due to their variable presentations and potential for serious functional impairment. This chapter outlines key surgical strategies required for effective infection control, focusing on early recognition, meticulous surgical debridement, and close coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Management of acute osteomyelitis often involves drainage and removal of necrotic material, while chronic infections require sequestrectomy, dead space management, and stabilization techniques such as external fixation or antibiotic-coated implants. Septic arthritis demands urgent joint lavage to protect cartilage integrity, and severe soft tissue infections may necessitate radical excision or amputation in life-threatening scenarios. Techniques such as negative pressure wound therapy, antibiotic-loaded PMMA beads, and reconstructive plastic surgery are discussed as adjuncts in wound and defect management. The chapter emphasizes that surgical intervention, combined with tailored antibiotic therapy and systemic support, is vital to achieving favourable outcomes in orthopedic infection care.