[External fixator in the prevention and treatment of infections (author's transl)].

Although postoperative infection constitutes a serious complication after osteosyntheses of closed fractures and in the course of open fractures, application of the known principles permits the adaption of an optimistic attitude towards treatment. Stability of osteosynthesis preferably with external fixation, open-wound treatment with regular control of the wound, in special cases suction-irrigation drainage, local application of PMMA beat chains and short-term, high-dosed systemic antibiotic therapy after antibiogram are amongst the most important points to be taken into consideration.