[Operative strategies in the treatment of upper limb fractures in polytraumatized patients]

Abstract

Background: Optimal timing of operative treatment of upper extremity long bone fractures in polytraumatized patients depends on the type and location of the fractures, as well as on the cardiorespiratory stability of the patient, and should be early in diaphyseal fractures in order to optimize intensive care treatment. The timing of surgery in cases of upper limb fractures is secondary to life-saving therapies. The same applies to stabilization of fractures of the lower limbs, including fractures of the femur and tibial shaft.

Methods: The recommended operative procedure for adult polytraumatized patients with closed or open humeral shaft fractures of grade I or II is intramedullary nailing or plating. For closed or open lower arm fractures of grade I or II, plating is the best procedure, or alternatively nailing. For upper extremity epi- or metaphyseal fractures plating is preferred. Specific fracture situations require specific operative treatments, for example traction band for olecranon fractures, external fixation for distal radial multi-fragmentary fractures. The external fixator may be the optimal approach in grade III open fractures of the upper extremity long bones. The main difference in paediatric fractures is not the timing of the procedure, but the selection of the technique, which has to respect the epiphyseal growth plates.

Results: Additional vessel injuries require quick diagnosis and early vessel reconstruction in the presence of cardiopulmonary stability. Open fractures should have a higher therapeutic priority if they are associated with vessel/nerve lesions. The strategy in additional nerve injuries depends on the type of lesion. Nerve decompression should take place together with fracture stabilization; necessary nerve reconstruction should be performed secondarily. The primary phase should be limited to fracture fixation. If the fracture is combined with a compartment syndrome, decompression by fasciotomy together with fracture fixation ensuring cardiopulmonary stability has be performed.

Conclusion: Amputations at the upper extremity in polytraumatized patients are only occasionally indicated in very severe injuries. In injuries involving total amputation, depending on the condition of the limb, immediate reattachment should be attempted if the cardiorespiratory situation of the patient is stable.