Is delayed reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi free flap a worthy option in the management of open IIIB tibial fractures?

Early reconstruction of severe open fractures, performed within 7 days of the injury, has a better outcome than closure after 7 days. However, the uncertain demarcation of damaged tissue often results in delayed reconstruction. In this article, we report our surgical outcomes of delayed reconstruction using latissimus dorsi free flap with internal fixation. Twenty‐three patients with Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures Between March 2009 and May 2012 were included in this study. There were 16 cases of distal 1/3 fracture of the tibia, 4 of midshaft fracture, 1 of proximal 1/3 fracture, and 2 of segmental fracture. Serial debridement with application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was performed before the final operation. All patients underwent internal fixation of the bone and reconstruction of soft tissue defect using latissimus dorsi free flap. The number of serial debridements, excluding those performed during emergency and finial operation, ranged from 1 to 5 (mean 2.69) times. Mean time from injury to final operation was 10.65 (range, 7–22) days. All flaps survived without complications. Three cases (13%) were infected, and three cases required further bone graft surgery to facilitate bone union (13%). Bone union was achieved after a mean 6.3 (range, 3–12) months. Mean follow‐up period was 16.34 (range, 12–26) months. During follow‐up, all patients were able to ambulate without use of an aid. In cases of severe open fracture, treatment should emphasize soft tissue coverage rather than rushing to achieve definitive fixation in the setting of poor surrounding tissues. When delayed reconstruction is inevitable, radical debridement is performed first, then NPWT is used as bridging therapy, and free flap could be considered for definite soft tissues coverage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:453–459, 2016.     

Synchronous circular frame stabilisation and microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction for open lower limb fractures–A cost analysis and description of the surgical technique

IntroductionCurrent surgical paradigms for ortho-plastic management of IIIB open tibial fractures make compromises. Often, definitive circular frame stabilisation is delayed until the soft tissue envelope is secure to allow access for further soft tissue reconstruction if required. This delay has potential clinical and cost implications. A previous study showed acute circular frame stabilisation performed concurrently or before soft tissue reconstruction was feasible without additional soft tissue reconstruction problems. This study examines potential resource savings using this approach.MethodsAll open tibial fractures managed by circular fixator and microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction between April 2015 and June 2019 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Those receiving circular frame stabilisation with synchronous microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction were considered cases; those in whom the frame stabilisation was delayed were controls. Cost data were derived from the Patient Level Information and Costing System. Salvage cases and those with incomplete treatment were excluded.ResultsNine cases and 25 controls were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in terms of age, sex, injury severity score, time to debridement, time to coverage, length of follow up, or time to union. Median length of stay was 13.3 and 19.7 days for cases and controls respectively (p<0.01). Cases required fewer procedures (2.3) compared to controls (4.5) (p<0.001). The cost of care was less for cases (£25,527) than controls (£32,952) (p <0.05). No cases returned to theatre with flap failure or flap compromise. Complications were similar between groups.ConclusionIn suitable patients, synchronous circular frame stabilisation and microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction is a safe, clinically effective, and cost-saving option.     

Transfibular excision of distal tibial interosseous osteochondroma with reconstruction of fibula using Sofield's technique – A case report

Osteochondromas arising from the interosseous border of the distal tibia and involving distal fibula are uncommon. Considering its proximity to the ankle joint, early excision of this deforming distal tibial osteochondroma is done to avoid the future risk of pathological fracture of the distal fibula, ankle deformities and syndesmotic complications. We present a 16-year-old young girl with thinning and deformed distal fibula, secondary to an osteochondroma arising from the distal tibia which was managed with transfibular excision of mass and reconstruction of distal fibula using square nail by shoefields technique.     

Evaluation and quantification of geographical differences in wound complication rates following the extended lateral approach in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures – A systematic review of the literature

IntroductionCalcaneal fracture surgery is often performed via the extended lateral approach (ELA). Large differences are reported in literature on wound complication rates. Aim was to perform a systematic review on reported postoperative wound complication (POWC) and postoperative wound infection (POWI) rates following the ELA and evaluate and quantify geographical differences.MethodsA literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and Cochrane Library. Studies before 2000, with <10 patients, biomechanical studies and reviews were excluded. No restrictions regarding language were applied.Results3068 articles were identified of which 123 were included, with 8584 calcaneal fractures in 28 different countries. The average total number of POWC was 14.3%, with 3.8% of superficial and 2.2% of deep infections. The highest POWI rate was found in Europe (12.1%) and the lowest in North America (2.8%). A significant difference in incidence of deep POWI between continents was detected (median 0–3.8%). No differences were found in incidence of POWC and POWI between retro- and prospective studies (respectively p = 0.970, p = 0.748) or studies with <10 or ≥10 operations per year (respectively p = 0.326, p = 0.378). However, lower rates of POWI were found in studies with a follow up of >3 months (p = 0.01).ConclusionLarge differences were detected in incidence of POWC and POWI following calcaneal fracture surgery with the ELA between countries and continents. We did not find a lower POWC or POWI rate in retrospective studies compared to prospective studies, larger studies or in studies in which more patients were treated annually. However, the rate of POWI was significantly lower in studies with a follow up of >3 months. We advise the use of a reliable postoperative complication registration system and uniformity in the use of standardized definitions of wound complications for calcaneal fracture surgery.