Antibiotic bead pouch versus negative pressure wound therapy at initial management of AO/OTA 42 type IIIB open tibia fracture may reduce fracture related infection: A retrospective analysis of 113 patients.

In our retrospective analysis, antibiotic bead pouch for initial coverage of type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures requiring flap coverage was associated with a lower risk of FRI requiring debridement or amputation than negative pressure wound therapy applied with or without antibiotic beads. A prospective clinical trial is warranted.