A management algorithm for chronically exposed war wounds of bone.

Chronically exposed war wounds of bone are common in field hospitals in developing countries. This algorithm aids their management. It is an extension of basic war surgery principles and takes the natural history of wounds into account. The importance of excision of dead bone is stressed. Methods of fracture immobilization and reconstruction are considered. The management of chronic bone exposure by basic principles is considered in relation to a multispecialist approach to severe open tibial fractures in civilian practice.