Gustilo type IIIC open tibia fractures with vascular repair: minimum 2-year follow-up

Is fracture management merely a physical process? Exploring the psychological effects of internal and external fixation

BACKGROUND

Internal and external fixation are common surgical procedures for treating fractures. However, the impact of different surgical approaches (including internal and external fixations) on patients' psychological status and Quality of Life (QoL) is rarely examined. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of internal and external fixation on anxiety, depression, insomnia, and overall mental and physical health in Distal Radius Fractures (DRF) patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on 96 fracture patients who underwent internal fixation (57 patients) or external fixation (39 patients). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire were used to assess the patients' pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and QoL before surgery and at seven days, one month, and three months post-surgery.

RESULTS

The VAS scores were significantly lower in the Internal Fixation Group (IFG) than in the External Fixation Group (EFG) on the seventh day and one month postoperatively (P < 0.05). Although both groups showed no significant anxiety, depression, or insomnia before surgery (P > 0.05), the EFG showed significantly higher HADS-A, HADS-D, and AIS scores than the IFG at seven days and one and three months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Additionally, changes in HADS-A, HADS-D, and AIS scores were most significant at day seven post-surgery in the EFG (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the average Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores before surgery (P > 0.05). However, both groups showed positive changes in PCS and MCS scores at postoperative day seven and one and three months postoperatively, with the IFG having significantly higher average PCS and MCS scores compared to the EFG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to external fixation, internal fixation did not significantly impact patients' emotions regarding anxiety and depression in the early postoperative period, and physical and mental health recovery was better during the postoperative rehabilitation period. Furthermore, when there are no absolute indications, the impact on patients' psychological well-being should be considered as one of the key factors in the treatment plan during surgical approach selection.

The successful treatment of a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc distal leg injury with a large bone defect in elderly patient with severe osteoporosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc tibial open fracture with large bone defects in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis is a rare injury that may be a challenging clinical scenario.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study presents the case of a 68-year-old Japanese man who sustained a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc open tibial fracture with a large bone defect. The patient had severe osteoporosis and the bone was contaminated; therefore, we determined that the bone could not be returned to the tibia. The patient underwent acute limb shortening and gradual lengthening with an Ilizarov external fixator combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and teriparatide administration for limb reconstruction, which allowed immediate full weight-bearing capacity. The fixator was removed at 12 months postoperatively, and by this time, the fracture had completely healed. At the most recent 5-year follow-up after the injury, the patient reported full weight-bearing capacity without walking aids and had full knee and ankle range of motion.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of combined Ilizarov technique, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and teriparatide for limb reconstruction of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc open tibial fractures with large bone defects in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis.

Comparison of patient-reported outcomes at one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation: A prospective cohort study

Purpose

This single-center, prospective cohort study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation and to elucidate whether amputation contributes to early recovery of functionality and quality of life.

Methods

We included 47 limbs of 45 patients with severe open fractures of the lower limb and categorized them into limb salvage and amputation groups. Data on patient-reported outcomes one year after injury were obtained from the Database of Orthopaedic Trauma by the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair at our center. Patients’ limbs were evaluated using the lower extremity functional scale and Short-Form 8. Early recovery was assessed using functionality and quality-of-life questionnaires.

Results

Of the 47 limbs, 34 limbs of 34 patients were salvaged, and 13 limbs of 11 patients were amputated. Significant differences were noted between the limb salvage and amputation groups in terms of the lower extremity functional scale scores (mean: 49.5 vs. 33.1, P = 0.025) and scores for the mental health component (mean: 48.7 vs. 38.7, P = 0.003), role–physical component (mean: 42.2 vs. 33.3, P = 0.026), and mental component summary (mean: 48.2 vs. 41.3, P = 0.042) of the Short-Form 8. The limb salvage group had better scores than the amputation group.

Conclusions

As reconstruction technology has advanced and limb salvaging has become possible, the focus of studies should now be based on the perspective of “how the patient feels;” hence, we believe that the results of this study, which is based on patient-reported outcomes, are meaningful.

Limb salvage results of Gustilo IIIC fractures of the lower extremity

This study aims to present our results for limb salvage in Gustilo IIIC open fractures of the femur and tibia. 92 patients with Gustilo IIIC fractures operated in our clinic between January 2000 and March 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic data, ischemia time, method of arterial repair, means of primary and secondary fixation, time to amputation, complications, and final VAS scores were recorded. The difference between the primary amputation rates of tibia and femur fractures was not statisti- cally significant (18% vs 21%, p>0.05). The difference between the secondary amputation rates of tibia and femur fractures was not significant (16% vs 27%, p>0.05). All secondary amputations were done within the first month during the initial hospital stay. Overall limb salvage rate was 69% for Gustilo IIIC fractures of the femur and 58% for Gustilo IIIC fractures of the tibia. The overall limb salvage rate was not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). At the final follow-up, patients in the limb salvage group had average VAS scores of 4.3 (femur) and 4.7 (tibia). The decision between amputation versus limb salvage remains a difficult decision that should be jointly made by the treating physicians and the patient.

Update in combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities

Combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities are conditions in which a multidisciplinary approach is a sine qua non to ensure life initially and limb viability secondarily. Vascular injuries as part of musculoskeletal trauma are usually the result of the release of a high energy load in the wound site so that the prognosis is determined by the degree of soft-tissue damage, duration of limb ischemia, patient’s medical status and presence of associated injuries. The management of these injuries is challenging and requires a specific algorithm of action, because they are usually characterized by increased morbidity, amputation rate, infection, neurological and functional deficits, and they could be life threatening. Although vascular injuries are rare and occur either isolated or in the context of major combined musculoskeletal trauma, the high index of suspicion, imaging control, and timely referral of the patient to organized trauma centers ensure the best functional outcome of the extremity in such challenging cases. Even after a successful initial treatment of a combined trauma pattern, long-term follow-up is crucial to prevent and detect early possible complications. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an update on diagnosis and treatment of combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities, from an orthopedic point of view.

A Case of Reconstruction of a Type IIIc Open Tibial Fracture with Bone Loss and Warm Ischemia Time of 13 Hours: Quality of Life and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND The management of open Gustilo IIIC fractures can be challenging even for experienced orthopedic surgeons. The decision between limb salvage and amputation is extremely difficult and the scoring systems do not seem to affect it significantly. Although ischemic time has been proven to be a major factor, attempts at reconstruction of limbs with ischemic time over 6 hours have been made in past decades. A simultaneous management of skeletal, soft-tissues, and vascular injury should be performed. This requires an orthoplastic surgeon who is capable of doing all the necessary operations by him/herself with hand-surgery and microsurgery expertise. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 49-year-old man with a type IIIC open tibial fracture with bone loss and warm ischemia time of 13 hours, who underwent revascularization and reconstruction with good radiological and functional results after a follow-up of 3 years. A few similar cases have been presented in the literature but none of them had a combination of bone loss, severe soft tissue injury, and complete vascular disruption after a crush injury. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of type IIIC open fractures of the tibia can be a demanding and time-consuming process. Detailed information about the necessity of multiple surgical interventions must be explained and fully understood by the patient in order to have realistic expectations.

Systematic review of patient reported outcomes from open tibia fractures in low and middle income countries

BACKGROUND

Open tibia fractures are a common cause of admission following road traffic accidents in low and middle income countries (LMICs), resulting in substantial mortality and disability. It is important to summarise the clinical course of this injury using patient reported scores in order to assess best treatment in LMICs.

OBJECTIVES

To summarise the disability after sustaining an open tibia fracture in LMICs METHODS: All studies were identified from a systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included any human with a diagnosed open tibia fracture, following any intervention. Studies were performed in a low or middle income country. The primary outcome was any validated patient reported outcome score reported after three months. Secondary outcomes included economic impact and complications such as infection, non-union and amputation. Data was extracted and summarised.

RESULTS

We reviewed 3,593 articles from our search. A total of 18 studies were included from 10 countries with 8 different outcome scores. The average age was 35 years old and 86% of the patients were male. Thirty-one percent were Gustilo I, 28% Gustilo II, 19% Gustilo IIIA, 17% Gustilo IIIB and 5% Gustilo IIIC. The most common complications reported were 18% infection, 15% non-union and 15% amputation. Economic impact was reported in only one study with 100% patients working pre-injury and 20% post-injury at 12 months. Mean follow-up duration for outcome scores was 19.8 months. There was heterogeneity between the studies in terms of subject of the studies, outcome criteria, fracture type, surgical technique and length of follow-up. Therefore, no meta-analysis could be performed.

CONCLUSION

The clinical history of open tibia fractures in low or middle income countries remains largely unknown in terms of patient reported outcomes. Further studies are required to define these outcomes in open tibia fractures before best treatments can be assessed.

Predictors of secondary amputation in patients with grade IIIC lower limb injuries: A retrospective analysis of 35 patients

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of limb salvage surgery in grade IIIC lower extremity injuries.A single-institution, retrospective review was performed of all patients with grade IIIC lower limb injuries presenting from January 2009 to April 2014. We gathered the data on each patient who underwent limb salvage and analyzed the final outcome for these patients (limb salvage vs secondary amputation).Grade IIIC lower limb injuries were identified in 41 patients. Primary amputation was performed in 6 patients (15%) as the initial procedure. Thirty-five patients (85%) underwent vascular reconstruction and other surgical procedures to salvage the limb. Limb salvage was successful in 23 patients (66%); 12 patients (34%) ultimately underwent secondary amputation. The median time from injury to secondary amputation was 22.5 days (range 4-380 days). The mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 7.2 ± 1.5 (range 5-10). The MESS was significantly higher in the secondary amputation group compared with the limb salvage group. Additionally, statistical testing revealed that the limb ischemia time, complex fractures, rate of fasciotomy, and number of vascular reconstruction were significantly higher in the secondary amputation group. Muscle necrosis and extensive soft tissue defect were the main reasons for secondary amputation.The findings indicate that MESS of 7 or greater, complex fractures, limb ischemia time equal to or greater than 6 hours, and osteofascial compartment syndrome were associated with an increased risk of delayed amputation. The MESS is highly prognostic but not perfect; decision-making in patients with an MESS of 7 or greater should be re-evaluated for clinical use.