Open fractures are a major global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialized care is limited. This platform aims to provide essential, accessible training for healthcare workers on the management of open fractures in diverse resource settings.
Developed by an international team with experience across continents, this initiative includes a wiki, real-world case examples, and a practical training course to reduce preventable disability and death. Our mission is to share global knowledge and empower frontline healthcare providers—anytime, anywhere.
To treat open fractures effectively, we need to understand what they are and how they occur. What is an open fracture? Open fractures are also referred to as exposed or compound fractures. An open fracture is a broken bone that has a direct communication between the fracture site and the external environment through a wound […]
Approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, which are leading contributors to disability. These conditions encompass bone fractures, joint problems, muscle injuries, widespread pain, and amputations due to trauma or disease1. In 2019, there were an estimated 178 million new fractures globally, contributing to the overall total of 445 million people with fractures2. […]
There is a need to implement prevention strategies1, such as promoting road safety, enhancing infrastructure, and raising awareness about the risks of high-energy trauma. Prevention involves both primary prevention (avoiding injuries), secondary prevention (treat the injuries adequately as soon as possible) and tertiary prevention (minimizing complications with adequate rehabilitation and additional reconstructions to improve function, […]
Open fractures not only present significant medical challenges but also create profound social, economic, and healthcare burdens. The impact of open fractures extends beyond the immediate injury and affects multiple aspects of a patient's life, including mobility1, employment, and mental health2. We will discuss the non-financial and financial impacts of open fractures on both patients […]
Outcomes of patients with open fractures are affected by several key factors1,2,3. Understanding and addressing these factors through comprehensive and timely medical care can significantly improve the prognosis for patients with open fractures. Some of the factors that influence the outcome of open fractures: 1 Severity of injury 2 Infection control and prevention 3 Timeliness […]
In most countries, the practice of traditional bone setters is dominated by male practitioners. They typically lack formal education, with the practice often passed down through paternal lineage or apprenticeship with neighboring men1,2. Traditional bone setting (TBS) is a widely practiced form of traditional medicine in various parts of the world. This practice continues to […]
This chapter will dive into the anatomy of the bone. From the embryology of the bone to the microscopic structures forming the building blocks of the bones. Ending with an explanation on the difference between adult and pediatric bones.
Process of fracture healing helps to understand how to best treat a fracture. This chapter will explain the process of bone healing and the most important factors influencing it.
