Timing of antibiotic administration, wound debridement, and the stages of reconstructive surgery for open long bone fractures of the upper and lower limbs

[Modern concepts of interdisciplinary extremity reconstruction in open fractures]

The orthoplastic approach involves the collaboration of orthopedic/trauma surgeons, vascular surgeons and reconstructive microsurgeons. In cases of complex limb fractures, the aims are to optimize blood flow, restore bone stability, reconstruct soft tissue defects, and enhance function and sensitivity. The early administration of antibiotics and a timely, high-quality debridement after initial interdisciplinary assessment are carried out. This is followed by fracture stabilization and temporary wound coverage in order to plan the definitive interdisciplinary procedure. This includes definitive osteosynthesis and soft tissue reconstruction, using local tissue transfer if feasible, or free tissue transfer in cases of extensive trauma zones. The orthoplastic approach allows for faster definitive stabilization, fewer operations, shorter hospital stays, lower complication and revision rates, higher cost-effectiveness and improved long-term function.

Bone union and mobility outcomes for reconstructed open tibial fractures: a plastic surgical experience from a major trauma center

Introduction

The goal in open tibial fracture management is to achieve a united tibia in an extremity that allows pain free mobilization. The objective of this study was to assess factors that lead to this functional outcome in lower limb reconstruction, from a plastic surgical perspective.

Materials and methods

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery lower limb database at a tertiary trauma hospital was searched for open tibial injuries from February 2015 to March 2020. The nature and severity of injury, timing and details of all operations including reconstructions were collected prospectively. Mobility including gait aids, pain, and complications were retrospectively collected. Union was assessed in two ways, depending on fracture location. Metaphyseal and diaphyseal tibial fractures were provided mRUST scores (union defined as RUST > 13) and epiphyseal tibial fractures were categorically classified as "united" or "non-union" by two independent radiologists.

Results

During the five-year study period there were 148 open leg injuries in the database. Twenty-one patients underwent a primary amputation due to severity of their initial injury. One hundred patients underwent primary limb salvage. Sixty-one patients in the limb salvage group achieved primary tibial union with a mean follow-up time of 19.4 months post injury. Twenty-three additional patients were confirmed to subsequently unite. Patient who achieved union were more likely to mobilise without gait aids.

Discussion

In this study definitive external fixation and soft tissue infection were both associated with higher rates of non-union. Longer times to soft tissue reconstruction was not associated with an increase in acute soft tissue complications. More importantly bone union, pain and mobility did not decline. After undertaking a primary limb salvage pathway for 100 patients, the ultimate tibial fracture union rate was 84% and the confirmed ambulation rate was 96%.

Assessing the risks of children with preoperative comorbidities undergoing comminuted fracture surgery

Introduction

Comminuted fractures are characterized by bones broken in at least two places, destabilizing the bone and requiring surgery. Children whose bones are still developing and maturing tend to have a higher risk of sustaining comminuted fractures as the result of trauma. Trauma is a major cause of death in children and constitutes a major issue in orthopedics because of the unique properties of children's bones compared to adult bones and the associated complications.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study aimed to refine the association between comorbid disease and comminuted fractures in pediatric subjects using a large, national database. All data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between comorbidities and comminuted fracture surgery and between various comorbidities and LOS or unfavorable discharge.

Results

A total of 2,356,483 patients diagnosed with comminuted fractures were selected initially, of whom 101,032 patients aged younger than 18 years who underwent surgery for comminuted fractures were included. Study results suggest that patients with any comorbidities undergoing orthopedic surgery for comminuted fracture appear to have longer LOS and a higher proportion of discharge to long-term care facilities.

Discussion

Almost all comorbidities were significantly associated with poor in-hospital outcomes and longer LOS. The analysis of comminuted fractures in children may provide useful information to help first responders and medical personnel evaluate and manage comminuted fractures appropriately.

Antibiotic coated nails: Rationale, development, indications and outcomes

The concept of antibiotic-coated implants, mainly coated intramedullary nails, has become increasingly used for the treatment of fracture related infections. After a long period of hand-made implants, commercially fabricated implants combine several benefits. Antibiotic-coated nails constitute a solid treatment option for unstable diaphyseal infections with fractures or non-unions. They release high concentrations of antibiotics locally, while retaining reduction and providing axial stability. This review aims to provide an overview about the background, the development, the indications, the treatment strategies and the outcomes of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails.