General principles for the treatment of orthopaedic trauma

Fractures naturally tend to heal spontaneously. Fracture healing is strongly related to vascularisation and stability. The functional result after healing depends on the position and localisation of the fracture. The goal of fracture treatment is to obtain fracture healing and restoration of function. The main treatment methods are divided into conservative and surgical options. The different treatments consist of applying traction, applying an external splint such as a plaster cast or an external fixator or applying an internal fixation with plates, screws and/or nails. In recent decades, surgical treatment methods have gained in popularity and therefore the development of these methods has gained momentum. Their popularity is mainly due to the possibility of functional anatomical recovery while maintaining joint mobility, during which the patient is not bedridden for long periods of time. An important development in surgical fracture treatment in the twentieth century has been the better understanding of the treatment of the accompanying soft tissue injury. For example, at the beginning of the twentieth century the treatment of an open fracture consisted of amputation. With the implementation of extensive debridement, the introduction of antibiotics, the use of tissue-friendly implants and the early reconstruction of soft tissue by tissue transposition, the treatment goal has shifted from vitality to maintaining function and infection prevention.