Stabilization of fractures in the hand and wrist with traumatic soft tissue and bone loss

Abstract

Open type III fractures of the hand or wrist with severe bone and soft tissue loss justify aggressive treatment to restore anatomy, assure healing, and maximize functional recovery. The techniques of modern wound excision used at initial surgery predictably result in a decompressed and surgically clean wound within a few days from injury in the vast majority of cases. This allows a safe application of delayed primary internal fixation and bone grafting for fracture restoration or joint arthrodesis as well as early wound closure or coverage. The immediate or early application of stable external devices, internal fixation, or combinations of the two along with early bone grafting restores the structural integrity of the skeleton, reduces pain, protects other repaired and reconstructed tissues, promotes the healing, and supports early and intensive functional rehabilitation of the hand and wrist. Early wound closure or coverage minimizes scar formation. Together, the early sequencing of effective wound debridement with skeletal stabilization and bone grafting and early wound closure or coverage provide the most favorable circumstances for healing and functional recovery of the seriously damaged hand and wrist.