ABSTRACT
Skin defects overlying a clavicular fracture are uncommon. Soft tissue cover is essential to avoid osteomyelitis and non-union. We present two cases of exposed fractures of the middle third of clavicle following osteosynthesis. Soft tissue cover was provided by an adipofascial turnover flap based on the inferior edge of the defect. The flap was raised with considerable ease and its vascular supply was reliable. There was minimal donor site morbidity and the aesthetic outcome of the reconstructions was excellent.
Subject(s)
Clavicle/injuries , Surgical Flaps/methods , Surgical Wound Dehiscence/surgery , Adult , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Fractures, Open/surgery , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Plastic Surgery Outcome Audit has until now been limited to studies of individual conditions. The Department of Plastic Surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, has developed an objective outcome classification applicable to all plastic surgery procedures. The four end-result categories--aesthetic appearance; physical function; tumour clearance; and surgical complications--are each graded in clear stages from 1 (excellent result) to 4 (result requiring re-operation) in a system which is easy to apply to every patient. The development and potential use of this classification are discussed. The Cambridge Classification is used in conjunction with diagnostic codes, which can be simple like the Logbook codes used by British Trainees or more complex, such as Read codes.
