Abstract
Fractures of the talus or calcaneus with accompanying soft tissue damage require precisely planned treatment to prevent infection of the wound over time, especially in severely injured patients. Seven patients with fractures of the talus or calcaneus and accompanying 2nd and 3rd degree open or 3rd degree closed soft tissue injuries were followed up retrospectively. These patients were operated on between January 1999 and January 2006 with free fasciocutaneous scapular or parascapular flaps. The average age was 34 (range 16-54). Follow-up was at 6-36 months. Osteosynthesis was primarily in six cases, post-primarily in one, and in four cases exterior fixation was used additively. Temporary vacuum therapy was performed for a mean of 28 days (6-42). Parascapular, scapular, and Latissimus dorsi flap coverage was performed six, one, and one times, respectively. Six flaps healed without complication. One necrosis of a parascapular flap occurred and made a Latissimus dorsi flap necessary. In one case of donor-site wound dehiscense, a local rotation flap became necessary. There was no joint infection or osteomyelitis. Bony consolidation was achieved within all fractures. Traumatic soft tissue damage must be taken into account when primary or secondary internal fixation is performed and should influence the choice of implant. Free fasciocutaneous parascapular or scapular flaps are a powerful tool for preventing infection if local flaps are not sufficient to achieve stable soft tissue coverage.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.