Radical treatment of severe open fractures of extremities by orthoplastic surgery: a 10-year retrospective study

Orthoplastic treatment based on the collaboration of orthopedic and plastic surgeons in an “orthoplastic” central unit has been recommended by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. However, this approach is not used worldwide especially in most developing countries. Based on the aggressive orthoplastic management, orthoplastic experience with Chinese characteristics has been carried out in last 10 years. The clinical data of 41 consecutive patients with severe open fracture (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc) of the limb, who underwent successful surgical debridement, fixation, and soft tissue reconstruction in one stage between January 2008 and April 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative indicators, including infection rate and union time, were acquired by a regular follow-up and analyzed. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 38±16 years. The soft tissue cover was achieved within 72 h. The overall rate of infection was 14.6% (6/41). Sex and the Mangled Extremity Severity Score were associated with infection. The median union time of 40 patients (one amputation) was 32 weeks. The overall rate of infection exhibited a lower tendency in this study. These results indicated that the single-stage radical orthoplastic treatment was an effective and reliable option for reconstructing severe open fractures.