[Compound fractures in childhood (author's transl)].

The incidence of compound fractures increases with the age of children. The importance of emergency care at the site of the accident, with sterile coverage of wounds and preliminary fixation, and of fast and careful transportation to hospital, is gaining recognition. Final management should comprise meticulous mechanical cleansing under sterile conditions, treatment of any additional injury, and stabilization. Compound fractures call for more generous application of internal fixation. Tetanus prophylaxis and routine monitoring of wounds are essential when there is any danger of gas gangrene.