Severe open tibial fractures. Results treating 202 injuries with external fixation

Abstract

Grade III open tibial fractures are known for frequent complications and poor clinical results, yet published series are few and cite conflicting results. To address this dilemma, the authors report a prospective study of 202 consecutive Grade III tibial fractures. All injuries were treated under protocol at the authors' university with primary external fixation and serial debridement. Equinus deformity was prevented with a new tibiometatarsal frame extension. Severe injuries crossing the ankle or knee were temporarily stabilized with external fixation across these joints. Staged reconstruction of soft tissue and then bone was undertaken for 176 of these tibias in patients who survived their multiple injuries. Reconstructive procedures included skin grafts in 57%, muscle flaps in 32%, and bone grafts in 28%. Gastrosoleus myocutaneous flaps were successful in 92% of cases versus 66% for free flaps. Late follow-up data were obtained for 171 (97%). Infection occurred in 15% and led to amputation in 7%. The infection rate was reduced to 9% in the second half of the series largely by removal of all necrotic bone prior to wound coverage. Angulation (greater than 10 degrees) in 9% and delayed union were lessened with early posterolateral grafting followed by progressive fracture loading in the fixator. A 9% incidence of pin tract drainage or loosening was reduced with predrilling and diaphyseal half pins. The time to fixator removal averaged 87 days. Ninety-three percent of the fractures united (median time, nine months) but healing times varied widely according to the amount of tissue injury and bone loss. Eighty-nine percent had satisfactory late clinical function. Results from this study, the largest series of open Grade III tibial fractures reported to date, suggest that successful staged reconstruction is now a reasonable expectation for most of these severe injuries.