Complex combined post-traumatic leg injuries. Early versus delayed treatment

  • Christian Allende Instituto Allende de Cirugía Reconstructiva de los Miembros - Sanatorio Allende
  • Ignacio Fernandez Savoy Instituto Allende de Cirugía Reconstructiva de los Miembros - Sanatorio Allende
  • Bartolomé Luis Allende Instituto Allende de Cirugía Reconstructiva de los Miembros - Sanatorio Allende
  • Luis Ruchelli Instituto Allende de Cirugía Reconstructiva de los Miembros - Sanatorio Allende
  • Natalia Gutierrez Instituto Allende de Cirugía Reconstructiva de los Miembros - Sanatorio Allende
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15417/393
Keywords: Soft tissue defects, Bone loss, Leg, Flaps

Abstract

BackroundThe objective of this study is to evaluate treatment of complex combined post-traumatic injuries of the distal and middle third of the leg, and compare the results obtained with early versus delayed treatment.MethodsFourteen patients treated between 2004 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into two groups: those with soft tissues coverage performed during the first 10 days following trauma (group I, 6 cases) and those with coverage performed after 10 days (group II, 8 cases). Coverage was performed using six latissimus dorsi free flaps in group I, and with six muscle free flaps and two rotational fasciocutaneous flaps in group II.ResultsFollow-up averaged 39.5 months in group I and 50.6 months in group II. Hospital stay averaged 20.8 days for group I and 42.4 days for group II. Staged bony reconstruction was performed in two patients from group I and six patients from group II, all with distal tibia bone loss. In two patients, one in each group, the muscle free flap dyed, and an amputation was performed.ConclusionsIn lesions treated early coverage using free flaps should be favored; but in chronic ones, our practice has changed towards using rotatory fasciocutaneous flaps when possible.

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Published
2015-04-20
How to Cite
Allende, C., Fernandez Savoy, I., Allende, B. L., Ruchelli, L., & Gutierrez, N. (2015). Complex combined post-traumatic leg injuries. Early versus delayed treatment. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 80(3), 196-206. https://doi.org/10.15417/393
Issue
Vol 80 No 3 (2015)
Section
Clinical Research

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