Open Tibial Fractures Research Articles

Post-Operative Wound Infection after Treatment of Open Fracture Type II and Type IIIA by Applying Ilizarov Fixator: A Single Centre Experience in Bangladesh

Background: Treatment of open fracture type II and type IIIA is difficult problem as because there is chance of formation of infection (osteomyelitis) and ultimate nonunion of fracture. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the rate of post-operative wound infection by application of Ilizarov fixator among open fracture of tibia in type II and type IIIA. Methodology: This was a non-randomized clinical trial which was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Ad-Din Sakina Women’s Medical College, Jashore, Bangladesh and at different private institutes in that area from January 2017 to December 2022 for a period of six years. The patients with the age group of 20 to 70 years were selected as study population. Results: A total number of 25 patients were recruited for this study. Out of 25 patients, 20 cases were male and 5 cases were female. Out of 25 patients 3 patients were diabetic and 2 patients were hypertensive. Affected side were on both side. The patients were included in this study and obtained excellent result with ilizarov procedure. Success rate was considered almost 100 present. Three patent developed minor wound infection. Conclusion: In conclusion no wound infection is found among the patients presented with open fracture of type II and type IIIA by application of Ilizarov fixator. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, July 2023;17(2):60-65

A Linked Population-Based Analysis of Severe Lower Extremity Traumas in Ontario

Background: Successful management of open tibial fractures often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Previous literature has shown that admission to a trauma centre and coordinated management of early bony fixation and soft-tissue reconstruction improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe patients who had open tibial fractures in Ontario and analyse their outcomes. Method: Linked population-based administrative data pertaining to patients who had open tibia fractures between the years 2009 and 2020 were examined. Demographic information, admission location, timing of soft-tissue reconstruction, and complication rates were collected. Results: 4240 patients were identified. The mean age was 47, and the majority were males. One-third of the patients were admitted to a trauma centre. This group were more likely to have an Injury Severity Score >15, and associated neurovascular injuries of the leg. When outcomes were compared over 1 year, the trauma centre group was more likely to undergo limb amputation, but also more likely to have a soft-tissue reconstruction. The average time to soft-tissue reconstruction was 20 days. Patients receiving care in a trauma centre were more likely to have an external fixation, plastic surgery consults, and longer hospital stay. There were no differences in the odds of infection, malunion or nonunion, and 30-day mortality. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive examination of the clinical course for patients experiencing open tibia fractures in Ontario. Future studies can help facilitate coordinated efforts between different specialties to expedite care and improve overall outcomes.

To Evaluate the Outcome of AO External Fixator Technique for the Management of Grade II, Grade IIIA and Grade IIIB of Open Tibia Fracture

To Evaluate the Outcome of AO External Fixator Technique for the Management of Grade II, Grade IIIA and Grade IIIB of Open Tibia Fracture

Predicting Union, Osteomyelitis, and Amputation Outcomes of Gustilo IIIC Open Tibial Fractures: A Retrospective Study.

Open tibial fractures are frequently encountered in high-energy traumas and can result in significant complications such as nonunion, osteomyelitis, and even amputation. Among open tibial fractures, Gustilo type IIIC cases are particularly challenging due to the concomitant occurrence of neurovascular injuries and soft tissue defects. This study aimed to assess factors that affect union time and complications in Gustilo IIIC tibial fractures. Patients who presented at our center with IIIC open tibial fractures from January 2000 to October 2020 were eligible for this retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and the timing, number, and type of surgical intervention were documented. Outcomes of interest included union time, occurrence of osteomyelitis, and amputation. We performed univariate analyses including chi-squared test, Fischer's exact test, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test based on the normality of the data and multivariate analyses including Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression analyses. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled and grouped by fracture healing time; eight had timely union (13.8%); 27 had late union (46.6%); eight had delayed union (13.8%); three had nonunion (5.2%); and 12 underwent amputation (20.7%). Nine fractures (15.5%) were complicated by osteomyelitis. Union time was prolonged in cases of triple arterial injury, distal third fractures, multiple trauma with injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 points, and increased bone defect length. Additionally, a bone gap >50 mm, diabetes mellitus, low body mass index, and triple arterial injury in the lower leg were significant risk factors for amputation. A time from injury to definitive soft tissue coverage of more than 22 days was the major risk factor for osteomyelitis. A scoring system to predict union time was devised and the predicted probability of union within 2 years was stratified based on this score. IIIC tibial fractures involving the distal third of the tibia, fractures with bone defects, triple arterial injury, and multiple trauma with ISS ≥16 points demonstrated delayed union, and an effective prediction system for union time was introduced in this study. Early soft tissue coverage can reduce the risk of osteomyelitis. Finally, diabetes and severe bone and soft tissue defects pose a higher risk of amputation.

Squid cartilage type II collagen accelerates osteoporotic fractures healing through regulating homocysteine mediated EGF and FBN1 signals

Osteoporosis fracture (OPF) is a serious social public health concern in humans. Type II collagen from squid cartilage (SCII) has been proven to promote the healing process in normal fracture mice, however, the effect and mechanism of SCII to improve osteoporosis fracture remain unknown. In this study, type II collagen was obtained from squid laryngeal cartilage, and the effects of SCII on OPF were investigated in mice that experienced bilateral ovariectomy and open tibial fracture surgery after oral administration. The results showed that SCII supplementation significantly decreased the serum TNF-α, increased aggrecan levels on the 5 d, and elevated the serum TGF-β and Col10α levels on 13 d after fracture. Notably, H&E staining exhibited an obvious chondrocyte proliferation on 5 d, and a specific promotion of chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and mineralization in the SCII group on 13 d. These findings suggested that SCII promoted osteoporosis fracture healing by enhancing the proliferation and hypertrophy of chondrocyte. Mechanically, SCII supplementation significantly reduced homocysteine levels through down-regulating TMAO production and bile acid levels and activated the EGF/AKT/CylinD1 and TGFβ/Smad1/5/8 pathways, thereby recovering the delay of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in OPF mice. This study investigated the effects of SCII on osteoporosis fracture healing for the first time and provided a new theoretical basis and options for the high-value application of squid cartilage.

Moderate static magnetic field promotes fracture healing and regulates iron metabolism in mice

BackgroundFractures are the most common orthopedic diseases. It is known that static magnetic fields (SMFs) can contribute to the maintenance of bone health. However, the effect and mechanism of SMFs on fracture is still unclear. This study is aim to investigate the effect of moderate static magnetic fields (MMFs) on bone structure and metabolism during fracture healing.MethodsEight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a unilateral open transverse tibial fracture, and following treatment under geomagnetic field (GMF) or MMF. The micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and three-point bending were employed to evaluate the microarchitecture and mechanical properties. Endochondral ossification and bone remodeling were evaluated by bone histomorphometric and serum biochemical assay. In addition, the atomic absorption spectroscopy and ELISA were utilized to examine the influence of MMF exposure on iron metabolism in mice.ResultsMMF exposure increased bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), mechanical properties, and proportion of mineralized bone matrix of the callus during fracture healing. MMF exposure reduced the proportion of cartilage in the callus area during fracture healing. Meanwhile, MMF exposure increased the number of osteoblasts in callus on the 14th day, and reduced the number of osteoclasts on the 28th day of fracture healing. Furthermore, MMF exposure increased PINP and OCN levels, and reduced the TRAP-5b and β-CTX levels in serum. It was also observed that MMF exposure reduced the iron content in the liver and callus, as well as serum ferritin levels while elevating the serum hepcidin concentration.ConclusionsMMF exposure could accelerate fracture healing via promote the endochondral ossification and bone formation while regulating systemic iron metabolism during fracture healing. This study suggests that MMF may have the potential to become a form of physical therapy for fractures.

Cosmetic results of wound treatment using the living skin equivalent in open tibial fractures

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue wound treatment in open tibial fractures requires complex clinical approach. New cellular methods of wound treatment must be compared with the gold standard split-thickness skin grafting.
 AIM: To compare the esthetic results of wound management with the living skin equivalent and skin grafting.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative study included 108 patients with open tibial fractures and soft tissue defects who underwent staged surgical treatment. In group 1 (n=51), the living skin equivalent was used, which is a bioengineered three-layer construction containing keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and collagen matrix. In group 2 (n=57), standard split-thickness skin grafting was used for wound repair. The surgery duration, complete epithelialization period, hospital stay, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) after 3, 6, and 12 months, and self-reported esthetic results 1 year after surgery were compared.
 RESULTS: Living skin equivalent procedures were performed significantly faster than skin grafting (18.24.8 min vs. 35.514.8 min, р 0.001), and wound healing took longer (25.56.3 days vs. 19.64.7 days, р=0.035). The overall VSS score was significantly lower at all follow-up visits in group 1 than in group 2 (6.230.81 points vs. 8.120.98 points after 3 months, р 0.001; 5.171.18 points vs. 6.761.31 points after 6 months, р 0.001; 4.541.07 points vs. 5.090.65 points after 12 months, р=0.038). Moreover, 74.5 and 68.4% of the patients were satisfied with the appearance of the limb after treatment with living skin equivalent and skin grafting, respectively (р=0.023).
 CONCLUSION: The cosmetic results of wound treatment in open tibial fractures with living skin equivalents are significantly better than those of split-thickness skin grafting.

OUTCOMES OF OPEN TIBIA FRACTURES IN CHILDREN

Open tibia fractures are common injuries in our paediatric population and are often associated with high-energy trauma such as pedestrian-vehicle accidents. At our institution, these injuries are routinely treated with debridement and mono-lateral external fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of open tibia fractures treated according to this protocol, as well as the complication rate and factors contributing to the development of complications.We performed a retrospective folder review of all patients with open tibia fractures that were treated according to our protocol from 2015–2019. Patients treated by other means, who received primary treatment elsewhere, and with insufficient data, were excluded. Data was collected on presenting demographics, injury characteristics, management, and clinical course. Complications were defined as pin tract infections, delayed- or non-union, malunion, growth arrest, and neurovascular injury. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed.One-hundred-and-fifteen fractures in 114 children (82 males) with a median age of 7 years (IQR 6–9) were included in the analysis. Pedestrian vehicle accidents (PVA's) accounted for 101 (88%) of fractures, and the tibial diaphysis was affected in 74 cases (64%). Fracture severity was equally distributed among the Gustillo-Anderson grades. The median Abbreviated Injury Score was 4 (IQR 4;5). Ninety-five fractures (83%) progressed to uneventful union within 7 weeks. Twenty patients (17%) developed complications, with delayed union and fracture site infections being the most common complications. Gustillo-Anderson Grade 3 fractures, an increased Abbreviated Injury Score, and the need for advanced wound closure techniques were risk factors for developing complications.Surgical debridement and external fixation in a simple mono-lateral frame is an effective treatment for open tibia fractures in children and good outcomes were seen in 83% of patients. More severe injuries requiring advanced wound closure were associated with the development of complications.

Diagnostic Performance of a telephone questionnaire for fracture-related infections (FRIs) in open tibia fracture patients in Tanzania

IntroductionFracture-related infections (FRIs) are a major cause of trauma-associated morbidity worldwide. In 2018, an expert group supported by the AO Foundation, European Bone and Joint Infection Society developed a consensus definition of FRI. Still, there is limited knowledge on the applicability of this definition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given the unique barriers that cause low follow-up rates for orthopaedic trauma patients in LMICs, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a telephone questionnaire in identifying patients with FRIs after open tibia fracture fixation in Tanzania. Materials and MethodsPatients from a randomized controlled trial investigating the infection prevention benefit of locally applied gentamycin for open tibial fractures were included. Patients completed FRI based telephone questionnaires 7–10 days prior to scheduled follow-ups at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. The questionnaire included two “confirmatory” criteria questions for FRI (i.e., open wound and purulent drainage) and three “suggestive” criteria questions (i.e., wound drainage, fever, and warmth). Contingency tests were performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity between answers and adjudicated FRI diagnoses at the corresponding in-person follow-up. Data was analysed using STATA version 15.0 and MedCalc's online diagnostic test calculator. ResultsThere were a total of 234 complete questionnaires and 85 unique patients included. The sensitivity and specificity of having any positive answer in the questionnaire was highest at 6 months (100 % and 92.5 %, respectively). For all time-points pooled, sensitivity was 71.4 % and specificity was 93.0 %. Drainage had the highest sensitivity (71.4 %) while fever had the highest specificity (99.6 %). For confirmatory criteria, sensitivity was 14.3 % and specificity was 96.0 %. Contrastingly, the sensitivity for suggestive criteria was higher (71.4 %), with a similar specificity (93.8 %). ConclusionOur study indicates that telephone questionnaires have adequate diagnostic performance when assessing FRIs. The presence of drainage identified the majority of patients with FRI, and specificities were high across confirmatory and suggestive criteria. Our study is one of the first to evaluate telephone questionnaires as a diagnostic tool for FRIs in patients with open tibia fractures in a LMIC hospital and validates the FRI consensus definition criteria.

CLASSIFYING OPEN TIBIA AND FEMUR FRACTURES USING THE ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SOCIETY (OTS) OPEN FRACTURE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN A SETTING WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF CIVILIAN GUNSHOT FRACTURES

ObjectivesOpen fracture classification systems are limited in their use. Our objective was to classify open tibia and femur fractures using the OTS classification system in a region with high incidence of gunshot fractures.One hundred and thirty-seven patients with diaphyseal tibia and femur open fractures were identified from a prospectively collected cohort of patients. This database contained all cases (closed and open fractures) of tibial and femoral intramedullary nailed patients older than 18 years old during the period of September 2017 to May 2021. Exclusion criteria included closed fractures, non-viable limbs, open fractures > 48 hours to first surgical debridement and patients unable to follow up over a period of 12 months (a total of 24). Open fractures captured and classified in the HOST study using the Gustilo-Anderson classification, were reviewed and reclassified using the OTS open fracture classification system, analysing gunshot fractures in particular.Ninety percent were males with a mean age of 34. Most common mechanism was civilian gunshot wounds (gsw) in 54.7% of cases. In 52.6% of cases soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention, these not encompassed in the classification. Fracture classification was OTS Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1% and 52.6% of cases unclassified.The OTS classification system was not comprehensive in the classification of open tibia and femur fractures in a setting of high incidence of gunshot fractures. An amendment has been proposed to alter acute management to appropriate wound care and to subcategorise Simple into A and B subdivisions; no soft tissue intervention and primary closure respectively. This will render the OTS classification system more inclusive to all open fractures of all causes with the potential to better guide patient care and clinical research.

Dextra Tibia Fracture Resulting from a Traffic Accident

Background. By definition, blunt force trauma is a force that is caused by a blunt object on the surface of the body which results in injury. Blunt trauma can be caused by objects that have blunt surfaces such as stones, wood, hammers, fists and so on, which also includes falls from high places, traffic accidents and so on, which are currently increasing in severity. Case report. It was reported that a victim, initials N, was a pedestrian who was hit by a motorbike Results: on physical and radiological examination the victim suffered an open right tibial fracture. Conclusion. The female victim was involved in a traffic accident and suffered abrasions, lacerations and broken bones due to blunt trauma which required the victim to undergo treatment.

Ankle function after reconstruction of post-traumatic soft tissue defects with soleus and/or gastrocnemius local muscle flaps

Local muscle flaps are especially advantageous when treating soft tissue defects, but one disadvantage is the potential functional deficits associated with the muscle transfer. In this study, we evaluated ankle function among patients (cases) who underwent reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the leg using local flaps of the gastrocnemius and/or soleus muscle. Function was compared between the affected and contralateral non-affected limb and against patients (controls) with open tibial fractures who required no soft tissue reconstruction. In a retrospective cohort study, ankle function was accessed as range of motion (ROM) and plantar flexion strength, and using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot summation and subscale scores. Among 31 patients who underwent soft-tissue reconstruction, 19 were available for functional evaluation. Controls were 23 patients with open tibial fractures not requiring flaps. Among cases, reconstruction was performed with a soleus flap in nine patients, a medial gastrocnemius flap in seven, a lateral gastrocnemius in one, and with both gastrocnemius and soleus flaps in one patient each. One patient developed partial flap necrosis. In cases, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were significantly decreased on the affected versus normal side. However, no deficit in plantar flexion strength was detected; nor any significant difference in AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores in cases versus controls. Local muscle flaps are useful for reconstructing post-traumatic soft tissue defects in the leg. Some loss of ankle ROM should be expected, but likely no clinically-measurable deficit in overall ankle strength and function.

Gentamicin[sbnd]coated tibial nail is an effective prevention method for fracture-related infections in open tibial fractures

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common complication following open tibia fracture (OTF), especially in patients with high-energy trauma or comorbidities. The use of gentamicin-coated nail (GCN) has been proposed as a local adjuvant to prevent FRI in high-risk patients.Hypothesis: The incidence of FRI is expected to be lower in OTF treated with a GCN, alongside with no detrimental effects on fracture healing time.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of GCNs as a definitive fixation method and prophylaxis for FRI in OTFs. Secondary outcomes included non-union rates and time to healing.Methods: The study design was a mixed cohort, including a prospective group of patients treated with GCN (Expert Tibial Nail PROtect™, Depuy Synthes, Johnson&Johnson Company Inc, New Jersey, USA) and a retrospectively evaluated group treated with non-gentamicin-coated nail (NGCN). Patients with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. The treatment protocol consisted of timely administration of antibiotics, surgical debridement, and early soft-tissue coverage. Exclusion criteria included protocol infringement, traumatic amputation, and loss of follow-up.Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v14.0, with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The study included 243 patients, 104 in GCN group and 139 NGCN group. External Fixator use was higher in the NGCN group, but this did not significantly affect the FRI rate.GCN use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of FRI (2.88% GCN group vs. 15.83% NGCN group, OR 0.16, p < 0.01). Furthermore, GCN use was found to be a protective factor against tibial non-union (OR 0.41, p = 0.03). There were no adverse effects attributed to locally administered gentamycin. The NGCN cohort had a higher incidence of polytrauma, although the difference was not statistically significant. A longer time to heal as well as more FRI and Non-union according to the progression in Gustilo-Anderson classification was observed in the GCN group.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GCN is an effective prophylactic method to reduce the risk of FRI in open tibial fractures at 12-month follow-up, as well as, probably derived from this protective effect, leading to lower fracture consolidation times when compared with cases treated without GCN.

Effectiveness of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails for open tibia fracture infection prevention. A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionOpen Tibia fractures are associated with high rates of Fracture Related Infection (FRI). Given the negative outcomes and increased costs related to the latter, several prophylactic local antibiotic delivery methods have been proposed, aiming to decrease the FRI rate. Our objective with this study was to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails for open tibia FRI prevention. Patients and MethodsWe conducted a PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. Queries were performed on Embase, PubMed, Lilacs and Cochrane data libraries. Seventeen studies were included for qualitative analysis and 2 studies were amenable for meta-analysis. ResultsGlobal infection, deep infection and non-union rates were 8.4%, 5.4% and 3.7% in the antibiotic-coated nail group and 22%, 14% and 14% in the non-antibiotic-coated nail group respectively. The meta-analysis showed a protective trend that favored the antibiotic-coated nail group although it didn't achieve statistical significance: deep infection Relative Risk (RR) (RR = 0.17 CI95% [0.02 – 1.31]); global infection RR = 0.36 CI95% [0.10 – 1.35]) and non-union (RR = 0.14 CI95% [0.02 – 1.22]), ConclusionsOur findings suggest a favorable trend towards antibiotic-coated nail, with decreased risk of global infection, deep infection and non-union as compared to non-antibiotic-coated nail in patients with open tibia fractures. Nonetheless, higher level evidence studies are required to confirm our findings.

A comparative study of Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators in the treatment of compound tibial shaft fractures

Background: Tibia is the most commonly fractured long bone, and the prevalence of compound fractures has risen due to an increase in high-energy traumatic incidents. In addressing challenging tibial fractures with significant soft tissue damage, infected tibial nonunion, and compound tibial fractures, medical professionals have turned to specialized treatments, such as Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators. These fractures typically cannot be managed effectively with traditional internal fixation methods. To facilitate early weight-bearing, limb lengthening, and efficient wound care, two minimally invasive fixation systems have been developed: the Limb Reconstruction System and the ring fixator. Methods: The study was conducted on 40 patients with compound tibial shaft fractures treated by Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators with the aim to evaluate the functional outcome, union rate and amount of limb lengthening using Ring and ILRS fixators in compound tibial fixators. Results: In our study, a significant portion of the participants fell within the age range of 28 to 37 years, comprising 45% of the total sample. Furthermore, the majority of the study subjects were male, constituting 65% of the participant pool. The primary mode of injury reported in our study was road traffic accidents, accounting for 77.5%. Conclusions: The study concluded that LRS fixators show good and promising results like easy to apply, carry, compress, distract and clean while Ilizaro ring fixator is technically demanding, difficult to carry and cumbersome to the patient.

Is Time Really of the Essence for Open Fracture Debridement?: Commentary on an article by Abigail Cortez, MD, et al.: "Delays in Debridement of Open Femoral and Tibial Fractures Increase Risk of Infection".

Is Time Really of the Essence for Open Fracture Debridement?: Commentary on an article by Abigail Cortez, MD, et al.: "Delays in Debridement of Open Femoral and Tibial Fractures Increase Risk of Infection".

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

BackgroundGustilo–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 presentationThis 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.ConclusionsTo 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.

Biomechanical comparison of three different surgical methods in the surgical treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures. An animal model study.

The aim of this study is to investigate mechanical properties of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), supracutaneousplating (SP), and unilateral external fixators (UEF) which can be performed for open tibial fractures. An unstable diaphysial tibia fracture was created in 60 fresh sheep tibia specimens by performing an osteotomy at the middle of bones. Specimens were divided into 3 groups. Specimens underwent fracture fixation with a standard MIPO technique, im-planting the plate 15 mm from the bone for SP group. Unilateral uniplanar external fixators were achieved for UEF group. First, thirty specimens (10 specimen for each group) were loaded vertically along the tibial axis to 1800 N. Second, other 30 preperated bones were used for cyclical loading to avoid metal fatigue. For dynamic tests, a 350 N force was applied for 10,000 cycles. In compression testing (vertical loading up to 1800 N) of the three fixation instruments; construct stiffness was highest in MIPO group when compared with SP and UEF groups. While the stiffness of the MIPO group was similar to SP group, it was statistically higher than UEF group (P=0.08 and P=0.002, respectively). SP group was significantly stiffer than UEF group (P=0.0021). The mean peak load was highest in SP group and lowest in UEF group. The peak load in SP group was similar to the MIPO group, it was statistically higher than the UEF group (P=0.743 and P=0.002, respectively). Based on the biomechanical properties from this in vitro animal model study, SP technique was biomechanically stronger than UEF and has similar biomechanical properties with MIPO in terms of axial loading.

Comparing outcomes following direct admission and early transfer to specialized trauma centers in open tibial fracture treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Guidelines on the management of open tibia fractures recommend timely treatment in a limb reconstruction center which offer joint orthopedic-trauma and plastic surgery services. However, patient's transfer between centers remains inevitable. This review aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and hospital factors for patients directly admitted and transferred patients to a limb-reconstruction center. A research protocol adhering to PRISMA standards was established. The search included databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library up until March 2023. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, focusing on open tibia fractures. Exclusion criteria were experimental studies, animal studies, and case reports. Outcomes of interest were operation and infection rates, nonunion, limb salvage, and the Enneking limb score. The analysis involved data from 520 patients across nine studies published between 1990 and 2023, with the majority (83.8%) having Gustilo Anderson type III open tibia fractures. Directly admitted patients showed lower overall infection rates (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10-0.90; P = 0.03) and fewer deep infections (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.22-0.68; P = 0.001) compared to transferred patients. Transferred patients experienced an average five-day delay in soft tissue closure and extended hospital stays by eight days. Patients transferred without initial surgical management underwent fewer total surgical procedures. The direct admission group displayed more favorable functional outcomes. Low- to moderate-quality evidence indicates worse clinical outcomes for transferred patients compared to directly admitted patients. Early treatment in specialized limb reconstruction units is essential for improved results in the management of open tibia fractures. Therapeutic level IIa.

Delayed Reconstruction of the Perforator Pedicle Propeller Flap after the Induced Membrane Technique for Gustilo IIIB Open Distal Tibial Fracture.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of delayed reconstruction of the perforator pedicle propeller flap after the induced membrane technique in the treatment of Gustilo IIIB open distal tibial fracture, and to evaluate the clinical outcome and complications of two different perforator pedicle propeller flaps.Thirty-four patients with Gustilo IIIB open distal tibial fractures treated by the induced membrane technique and delayed reconstruction of two different perforator pedicle propeller flaps from May 2017 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the different kinds of perforator pedicle propeller flaps covered. The operation required two stages. The Radiographic Union Score for Tibial fractures (RUST) was used to evaluate the healing of the tibial bone defect. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used to evaluate ankle function. The complications associated with the technique were recorded.The number of serial debridements, excluding those performed during emergency and final operations, was a mean of 2.28±0.83 in the PAPF group. The PAPF group had a mean bone defect length of 6.76 ± 0.69 cm, the median healing time of 13.11 ± 0.96 months, RUST score 12.68 ± 1.63, and AOFAS score of 84.12 ± 6.38. On the other hand the PTAPF group's mean bone defect length was 6.73 ± 0.95 cm, the median healing time 12.63 ± 1.46 months, RUST score 13.73 ± 1.53 and AOFAS score 82.79 ± 5.49. There were no observed significant differences the two groups in the number of serial debridements, bone defect length, bone union time, RUST score, or AOFAS score (p>0.05). Flap size ranged from 9×6cm2 to 14×7cm2 in the PAPF group and from 9×6cm2 to 13×7cm2 in the PTAPF group. There were no severe complications such as flap-related complications or amputation. The differences in complications in the two groups were not statistically significant.In cases of severe open tibial fracture, the reconstructive method is important. When delayed reconstruction is inevitable, surgeons should first perform radical debridement, followed by vacuum sealing drainage as a bridging therapy; both PAPF and PTAPF can be considered for definitive soft tissue coverage.