Fractures with soft-tissue injury are urgent surgical emergencies. Fra
cture care in the first few hours after the injury crucially determine
s the course of healing. In open fractures aggressive debridement of a
ll necrotic tissues is mandatory as well as stable external or interna
l fracture fixation. Secondary wound closure must be performed liberal
ly and prophylactic antibiotics should be administered. Closely observ
ing such a stringent regimen, the rate of posttraumatic osteitis in op
en fractures can be reduced significantly.