We reviewed 11 patients who had been treated between January 1986 and June 1994 for severe foot injuries by tendon transfer with microvascular free flaps. Their mean age was 5.6 years (3 to 8). Five had simultaneous tendon transfer and a microvascular free flap and six had separate operations. The mean interval between the tendon transfer and the microvascular free flap was 5.8 months (2 to 15) and the mean time between the initial injury and the tendon transfer was 9.6 months (2 to 21). The anterior tibial tendon was split in five of six cases. The posterior tibial tendon was used three times and the extensor digitorum longus tendon twice. The mean follow-up was 39.7 months (24 to 126). There were nine excellent and two good results. Postoperative complications included loosening of the transferred tendon (2), plantar flexion contracture (1) mild flat foot deformity (1) and hypertrophic scars (2). We recommend tendon transfer with a microvascular free flap in children with foot injuries combined with nerve injury and extensive loss of skin, soft tissue and tendon

Aims. The free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap represents a workhorse procedure in the field of trauma and plastic surgery. However, only a small number of studies have examined this large group of patients with regard to the morbidity of flap harvest. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to objectively investigate the morbidity of a free LDM flap. Methods. A control group (n = 100) without surgery was recruited to assess the differences in strength and range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder joint with regard to handedness of patients. Additionally, in 40 patients with free LDM flap surgery, these parameters were assessed in an identical manner. Results. We measured higher values for all parameters assessing force in the shoulder joint on the dominant side of patients in the control group. Moreover, LDM flap harvest caused a significant reduction in strength in the glenohumeral joint in all functions of the LDM that were assessed, ranging from 9.0% to 13.8%. Equally, we found a significantly reduced ROM in the shoulder at the side of the flap harvest. For both parameters, this effect was diminished, when the flap harvest took place on the dominant side of the patient. Conclusion. LDM flap surgery leads to a significant impairment of the strength and ROM in the shoulder joint. Moreover, the donor morbidity must be differentiated with regard to handedness: harvest on the non-dominant side potentiates the already existing difference in strength and ROM. Conversely, if the harvest takes place on the dominant side of the patient, this difference is diminished. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1114–1119

Introduction. Segmental bone defect is a challenging problem. We report our experience of bone transport by hexapod external fixator in patients with segmental defects if the tibia. Method. We report herein 15 patients with segmental bone defect of tibia who completed their treatment protocol. All patients were treated had bone transport with Taylor Spatial Frame from 2012 to 2017. All were treated by the senior author NH. Parameters measured included age, sex, diabetes, smoking, diagnosis, method of fixation prior to treatment use of a free flap, bone defect size, frame-time, external fixation index. Results. Mean age at the time of frame application was 42.7 years. Mean follow-up after frame removal was 23.7 months. Three were diabetic, one smoked and one quit smoking during treatment. Seven had Gustilo-Anderson 3B (47%) and 5 Gustilo-Anderson 3A (33%) open fractures. Three (20%) had closed fractures. Nine (60%) had internal fixation with plate in eight and IM nail in one. Ten patients (67%) had soft tissue defect that required a free flap in seven, local flap in two and skin graft in one. Mean transport was 62 mm. Mean external fixator time and latency were 350.1 and 12 days, respectively. Mean External fixator, distraction and maturation indices were 2.1, 0.52 and 1.43 month per centimeter, respectively. Ten Extra- procedures were required in 7 patients. There were no docking site procedures, non-union of regenerate, adjunctive stabilization after frame removal, recurrence of bone infection and recurrence of deformity. Conclusions. Segmental resection and transport by TSF is an effective method to achieve length, alignment and eradicate infection. Although our cohort had longer external fixator indices than similar studies, the complication rate was low

Introduction. We present a series of patients who have had secondary reconstruction of war injuries to the upper and lower limbs, sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Material and Methods. All patients were seen at the combined Peripheral Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Centre for Rehabilitation, Headley Court. All surgery was performed at Odstock Hospital. Procedures include scar excision and neurolysis (all patients), release of scar contractures, tenolysis, tendon transfers, revision nerve grafts, excision of neuroma, and soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled or free flaps. Results. 24 patients have been treated at the time of submission. We have using 13 free flaps (1 free groin flap, 9 anterolateral thigh, 3 parascapular, with 4 as through-flow flaps) and 1 pedicled groin flap, with no flap losses. There were 6 amputation stump revisions (1 above elbow, 5 below knee). The majority (n=23) have had nerve recovery distal to the level of injury following revision surgery. Conclusions. Nerve repairs recover following neurolysis (and revision nerve graft if necessary) with provision of good soft tissue cover. Release of scar contractures with flap cover allows healing of chronic wounds and permits mobilisation of joints. Thin fasciocutaneous flaps provide good contour and can be elevated more easily than skin grafted muscle flaps for secondary surgery. Free or regional flaps are preferable to local flaps in high energy-transfer military wounds. Immediate complex reconstruction is not always appropriate in multiply-injured patients

Aim. Simultaneous application of Ilizarov frames and free muscle flaps to treat osteomyelitis or infected non-unions is currently not standard practice in the UK, in part related to logistical issues, surgical duration and challenging access for microvascular anastomosis. We present the outcomes for 56 such patients. Methods. Retrospective single centre consecutive series between 2005–2017. We recorded comorbidities, Cierny-Mader and Weber-Cech classification, the Ilizarov method used, flap and anastomosis used, follow-up duration, time to union and complications. Results. 56 patients (55 tibiae and 1 forearm) were included (mean age 48 years). Thirty-four cases had osteomyelitis (20/34 Cierny-Mader Stage IV) and 22 had an infected non-union (14/22 Weber-Cech Type E or F). Forty-six patients had a segmental defect after resection. Monofocal compression was used in 14, monofocal distraction in 15, bifocal compression/distraction in 8, bone transport in 9 and a protective frame in 10. 8/56 had an ankle fusion, 7/56 had an angular deformity corrected at the same time and 32 also had local antibiotic carrier inserted. Forty-six gracilis, 9 latissimus dorsi and 1 rectus abdominus flaps were used. Six cases required urgent flap re-exploration (5 anastomotic revisions and 1 haematoma washout) with 4/6 successfully salvaged. Two cases suffered total flap failure (3.6%). Both had successful revision free muscle flaps with the frame in situ at 10 and 16 days respectively. There were no partial flap failures and no failures in bone transport frames. Mean follow-up was 22 months (4–89). Excluding three cases that still have a frame on, 42/43 (97.7%) achieved bony union. Recurrence of infection occurred in 8.9%. All were infection free at final follow-up after further surgery. Conclusions. With the right expertise, simultaneous Ilizarov frame and free muscle flap is safe and effective in treating complex limb infection, and is not associated with an increased flap failure rate. Level of evidence. III

AIM. Chronic osteomyelitis still remains challenging and expensive to treat inspite of advances in antibiotics and operative techniques. We present our experience with free muscle flap after radical debridement of chronic osteomyelitis, performed as a single stage procedure. METHODS. We retrospectively identified eight patients (5 Females) with mean age of 63 yrs (Range40–71 yrs) Case notes were reviewed for co morbidities, Pre and post treatment inflammatory markers (plasma viscosity and CRP) and clinical staging. Mean follow up was 3 yrs (Range 1–6 yrs) All the patients were jointly operated by orthopaedic and plastic surgeons and underwent thorough debridement and muscle flap (Seven free flaps and one rotational flap) in the same sitting. All the patients were reviewed regularly by plastic and orthopaedic surgeons. Seven patients had free Gracilis flap and one had Triceps flap. Clinical assessment of reinfection was made on presence of erythema, wound discharge, pain and swelling. Primary outcome measure was resolution of infection. RESULTS. Seven patients had full resolution of osteomyelitis as evident by clinical examination and inflammatory markers. Three patients had graft problems to start with, but theses settled within six months One patient had minor wound discharge at three years which settled with conservative management. One further patient developed eczematous dermatitis around the flap which was managed successfully by the dermatologist. CONCLUSIONS. We believe this to be the only study in which both the procedures (debridement and muscle flap) are performed in one sitting. This technique is a successful and useful addition to the armamentarium of surgeons in the management of chronic osteomyelitis. Though our study is small but our results are encouraging

Controversy continues to surround the management of patients with an open fracture of the lower limb and an associated vascular injury (Gustilo type IIIC). This study reports our 15-year experience with these fractures and their outcome in 18 patients (15 male and three female). Their mean age was 30.7 years (8 to 54) and mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) at presentation was 6.9 (3 to 10). A total of 15 lower limbs were salvaged and three underwent amputation (two immediate and one delayed). Four patients underwent stabilisation of the fracture by external fixation and 12 with an internal device. A total of 11 patients had damage to multiple arteries and eight had a vein graft. Wound cover was achieved with a pedicled flap in three and a free flap in six. Seven patients developed a wound infection and four developed nonunion requiring further surgery. At a mean follow-up of five years (4.1 to 6.6) the mean visual analogue scale for pain was 64 (10 to 90). Depression and anxiety were common. Activities were limited mainly because of pain, and the MESS was a valid predictor of the functional outcome. Distal tibial fractures had an increased rate of nonunion when associated with posterior tibial artery damage, and seven patients (39%) were not able to return to their previous occupation

Introduction. Large numbers of patients with open tibial fractures are treated in our major trauma centre. Previously, immediate definitive skeletal stabilisation and soft tissue coverage has been recommended in the management of such injuries. We describe our recent practice, focusing on soft tissue cover, including patients treated by early soft tissue cover and delayed definitive skeletal stabilisation. Methods. Between September 2012 and January 2016, more than 120 patients with open tibial fractures were admitted to our unit. Patients were identified through prospective databases. Data collected included patient demographics, injury details, orthopaedic and plastic surgery procedures. Major complications were recorded. Paediatric cases were excluded and one patient was lost to follow up. Results. Fifty-seven patients (median age 41 years (range 16–95)) were identified with open tibial fractures classified grade IIIB or IIIC requiring soft tissue coverage. Of these 57 patients, 39 were treated by initial temporary external fixation, soft tissue cover, and circular frame and 18 by initial temporary external fixation, soft tissue cover and internal fixation (ORIF). Of the 57 patients, 51 were acutely managed by Leeds MTC, and 6 were tertiary referrals primarily managed elsewhere. Soft tissue cover constituted free tissue transfer in 43 patients (19 gracilis, 15 ALT, 6 LD, 2 radial forearm and 1 groin flap), pedicled flap in 12 patients (6 gastroc, 4 fasciocutaneous, 1 soleus, 1 EDB), and skin graft in 2 patients. Complications included flap failure (n=3), return to theatre (n=1). Long term soft tissue cover was definitely achieved in 100% of cases. Chronic deep infection was reported in 1 acutely managed case. There were no cases of soft tissue failure after delayed circular frame fixation following soft tissue reconstruction. Conclusions. Evolution of orthopaedic techniques has meant that the management of these complex fractures using delayed definitive fixation with a circular frame is increasingly commonplace. This case series demonstrates that a joint orthoplastic approach, with circular frame application undertaken a short time after soft tissue reconstruction (including free flap surgery) is safe and can be undertaken without risk to the soft tissue coverage

Aims

Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to hip fracture patients. They have a higher risk of complications, such as wound infections, malunion, hospital-acquired infections, pressure sores, veno-thromboembolic events, and significant sarcopaenia from prolonged bed rest.

Aims

The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of the induced membrane technique (IMT) for the management of infected segmental bone defects, and to analyze predictive factors associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Aims

To clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes.

Aims

Complex fractures of the femur and tibia with associated severe soft tissue injury are often devastating for the individual. The aim of this study was to describe the two-year patient-reported outcomes of patients in a civilian population who sustained a complex fracture of the femur or tibia with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) of ≥ 7, whereby the score ranges from 2 (lowest severity) to 11 (highest severity).

Aims

It has been generally accepted that open fractures require early skeletal stabilization and soft-tissue reconstruction. Traditionally, a standard gauze dressing was applied to open wounds. There has been a recent shift in this paradigm towards negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients with open tibial fractures receiving standard dressing versus NPWT.

Aims

To compare results of institutional preferences with regard to treatment of soft tissues in the setting of open tibial shaft fractures.

We performed a retrospective review of the case notes of 84 consecutive patients who had suffered a severe (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc) open fracture of the tibia after blunt trauma between 1990 and 1998. All had been treated by a radical protocol which included early soft-tissue cover with a muscle flap by a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery service. Our ideal management is a radical debridement of the wound outside the zone of injury, skeletal stabilisation and early soft-tissue cover with a vascularised muscle flap. All patients were followed clinically and radiologically to union or for one year. After exclusion of four patients (one unrelated death and three patients lost to follow-up), we reviewed 80 patients with 84 fractures. There were 67 men and 13 women with a mean age of 37 years (3 to 89). Five injuries were grade IIIc and 79 grade IIIb; 12 were site 41, 43 were site 42 and 29 were site 43. Debridement and stabilisation of the fracture were invariably performed immediately. In 33 cases the soft-tissue reconstruction was also completed in a single stage, while in a further 30 it was achieved within 72 hours. In the remaining 21 there was a delay beyond 72 hours, often for critical reasons unrelated to the limb injury. All grade-IIIc injuries underwent immediate vascular reconstruction, with an immediate cover by a flap in two. All were salvaged. There were four amputations, one early, one mid-term and two late, giving a final rate of limb salvage of 95%. Overall, nine pedicled and 75 free muscle flaps were used; the rate of flap failure was 3.5%. Stabilisation of the fracture was achieved with 19 external and 65 internal fixation devices (nails or plates). Three patients had significant segmental defects and required bone-transport procedures to achieve bony union. Of the rest, 51 fractures (66%) progressed to primary bony union while 26 (34%) required a bone-stimulating procedure to achieve this outcome. Overall, there was a rate of superficial infection of the skin graft of 6%, of deep infection at the site of the fracture of 9.5%, and of serious pin-track infection of 37% in the external fixator group. At final review all patients were walking freely on united fractures with no evidence of infection. The treatment of these very severe injuries by an aggressive combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach provides good results; immediate internal fixation and healthy soft-tissue cover with a muscle flap is safe. Indeed, delay in cover (> 72 hours) was associated with most of the problems. External fixation was associated with practical difficulties for the plastic surgeons, a number of chronic pin-track infections and our only cases of malunion. We prefer to use internal fixation. We recommend primary referral to a specialist centre whenever possible. If local factors prevent this we suggest that after discussion with the relevant centre, initial debridement and bridging external fixation, followed by transfer, is the safest procedure

Aims

The aims of this study were to quantify health state utility values (HSUVs) after a tibial fracture, investigate the effect of complications, to determine the trajectory in HSUVs that result in these differences and to quantify the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) experienced by patients.

Aims

Type IIIB open tibial fractures are devastating high-energy injuries. At initial debridement, the surgeon will often be faced with large bone fragments with tenuous, if any, soft-tissue attachments. Conventionally these are discarded to avoid infection. We aimed to determine if orthoplastic reconstruction using mechanically relevant devitalized bone (ORDB) was associated with an increased infection rate in type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures.

Aims

The management of open lower limb fractures in the United Kingdom has evolved over the last ten years with the introduction of major trauma networks (MTNs), the publication of standards of care and the wide acceptance of a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach to management. The aims of this study were to report recent changes in outcome of open tibial fractures following the implementation of these changes.

In this study we quantified and characterised the return of functional mobility following open tibial fracture using the Hamlyn Mobility Score. A total of 20 patients who had undergone reconstruction following this fracture were reviewed at three-month intervals for one year. An ear-worn movement sensor was used to assess their mobility and gait. The Hamlyn Mobility Score and its constituent kinematic features were calculated longitudinally, allowing analysis of mobility during recovery and between patients with varying grades of fracture. The mean score improved throughout the study period. Patients with more severe fractures recovered at a slower rate; those with a grade I Gustilo-Anderson fracture completing most of their recovery within three months, those with a grade II fracture within six months and those with a grade III fracture within nine months.

Analysis of gait showed that the quality of walking continued to improve up to 12 months post-operatively, whereas the capacity to walk, as measured by the six-minute walking test, plateaued after six months.

Late complications occurred in two patients, in whom the trajectory of recovery deviated by > 0.5 standard deviations below that of the remaining patients. This is the first objective, longitudinal assessment of functional recovery in patients with an open tibial fracture, providing some clarification of the differences in prognosis and recovery associated with different grades of fracture.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:1118–25.