Operative treatment of open fractures in pediatric patients

Open fractures in pediatric patients represent significant orthopedic injuries due to the risk of infection, soft tissue damage, and possible long-term functional impairment. Although children have greater biological potential for bone healing compared to adults, the exposure of bone to the external environment requires careful and timely management. This study aimed to analyze current operative approaches used in the treatment of open fractures in pediatric patients based on recent scientific literature. A descriptive bibliographic study with a qualitative approach was conducted using articles published between 2021 and 2025. The literature search was performed in the SciELO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases using descriptors obtained from DeCS and MeSH, including “Open Fractures”, “Pediatrics”, “Child”, “Fracture Fixation”, and “Surgical Procedures, Operative”, combined with Boolean operators AND and OR. The selected studies were analyzed with emphasis on surgical techniques, clinical indications, complications, and treatment outcomes. The findings indicate that operative management, including procedures such as surgical debridement, elastic intramedullary nailing, percutaneous pinning, plate fixation, and external fixation, plays a crucial role in the treatment of pediatric open fractures, particularly in moderate to severe injuries. Early antibiotic therapy and prompt surgical intervention were also identified as essential factors for reducing infection risk and improving recovery. Overall, individualized treatment strategies and adherence to established trauma protocols contribute to favorable clinical outcomes and high rates of bone consolidation in pediatric patients with open fractures.