Table 1

Peselected exclusion and inclusion criteria.

Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

Age < 18 years
Written informed consent
Tscherne G3 or Gustilo Typ IIIB/C injuries
Tscherne G0/G1/G2 or Gustilo I°/II°/IIIa° injuries
Multiple life-threatening injuries (polytrauma)
Age > 18 years
Traumatic brain injury
No previous inury of the fracture site
Additional fractures of the ipsi- and/or contralateral extremity
Mono- injury
Manifested compartment syndrome
Surgical treatment within the first 24 h
Blood coagulation disorders

Anticoagulative medication


Müller et al. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2008 3:14   doi:10.1186/1749-799X-3-14