The presence of infection can have

The presence of infection can have devastating
consequences. These range from loss of fracture
alignment and apparatus failure to localised infections
that can lead to osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is difficult
to treat, results in the failure of orthopaedic treatment
and surgery, and may lead to long-term pain, discomfort
and disability. This condition must be avoided at all
costs, particularly in view of the increase in antibiotic
resistant micro-organisms. There is, therefore, an urgent
need to identify effective nursing interventions that limit
these risks.