Primary internal fixation combined with flap transfer to treat Gustilo-ⅢB open fractures of lower extremity with severe soft tissue defect / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of primary internal fixation combined with flap transfer for Gustilo Ⅲ B open fracture of lower extremity with severe soft tissue defct.Methods From January,2008 to January,2013,15 patients with Gustilo Ⅲ B open fracture of lower extremity and severe soft tissue defect were treated with primary internal fixation combined with flap transfer.Among them,there were 2 cases of foot and ankle fracture,9 of lower-tibia and fibula,3 of upper-tibia and fibula and 1 of distal femur fracture.The areas of the flaps were 10 cm × 8 cm-28 cm × 16 cm.Three cases were treated by bone grafting because of bone defect.Results All patients were followed up for 6-24 months.All flaps were survived,and only small area of 2 cases with the distal necrosis were cured by changing the dressing; In 1 case,the wound was infection and healed after anti-infective and drainage treatment; 13 cases had bone union in primary stage,and the other 2 cases were achieved delayed union; the average healing time was 7.2 months,and no case of osteomyelitis was noted; the time of wound healing was 12-36 days,with an average of 18.1 days.According to lower extremity function evaluation form,the excellent and good rate was 86.6％.Conclusion It is a safe and effective strategy to treat the Gustilo Ⅲ B open fractures of lower extremity and severe soft tissue defect with primary internal fixation combined with flap transfer,which has advantages of reliable fixation,covering the wounds with satisfaction,recovering exercise early,shorten the treatment period,alleviating the suffering of patients and so on.