Emerging Ideas: Interleukin-12 Nanocoatings Prevent Open Fracture-associated Infections.

Infection is a major clinical complication of orthopaedic implants and prosthetic devices, and patients with traumatic open fractures have a high risk of infection that may exceed 30%. Surgical trauma, burns, and major injuries such as traumatic open fractures induce immunosuppression, decrease resistance to infection, and decrease production of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines. QUESTIONS/HYPOTHESES: Exogenous interleukin-12 p70 (IL-12p70 or IL-12), a natural cytokine that plays a central role in Th1 response and bridges innate and adaptive immunities, will reduce open fracture-associated infection. Li B, McKeague AL. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011 Nov;469(11):3262-5. Epub 2010 Nov 23. PMID: 21104353