True or False: Prolonged duration of prophylaxis has been shown to decrease long term rates of infections in patients with combat-related open fractures.

The statement is false. Current evidence suggests that prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with combat-related open fractures does not necessarily lead to decreased long-term rates of infections. In fact, extended durations of antibiotic treatment can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, potential adverse effects, and complications without providing significant benefits in preventing infections.

For combat-related injuries, guidelines generally recommend short-term prophylaxis, typically lasting 24 to 72 hours post-injury, which has been shown to be effective while minimizing the risks associated with prolonged use. Therefore, the consensus in the medical literature supports that a shorter course of prophylaxis is adequate and safer for managing these types of fractures, all of which substantiates the answer as false.