By definition, a patient sustaining an open fracture in an arm or leg has a soft tissue injury, as well as a bony injury. These two injuries are inextricably linked. Since the days of Hippocrates, fractures have been stabilized by using splints or external furators, and soft tissue injuries have been treated with various potions and salves. Techniques for proper limb alignment and soft tissue as well as fracture healing have been the subject of medicine throughout the modern era.