Main Article Content
Soft Tissue Cover Of Open Tibial Fractures In Enugu, Nigeria
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Open tibial fractures remain a big challenge. The problem is on the increase with ‘legalization' of motorbike as means of transportation. Early soft tissue cover will obviate attendant complications and ensure osseous union. This study is a review of soft tissue cover for patients presenting to our centre
METHOD: A retrospective study between January and December 2001. Data collated from patients folders and operating register included age, sex, part(s) of the leg involved, type of open fractures, associated injuries, time before presentation, time between injury and surgery, method of surgical management, complications and follow up period.
RESULT: There were 155 patients with open tibial fractures during the period, 117 were males and 38 were females. The mean age was 35.7years. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause. The injury pattern is follows: Type1 forty-five (29.1%) patients, type 11 sixty-two (40%) and type 111 forty-five (29.1%). Distal third of the leg was the most and worst affected. Soft tissue cover was achieved by debridement and dressing till wound healed by secondary intention in 71 patients, primary closure in 8 patients and 29 had delayed primary closure. Thirty-three patients had split thickness skin graft cover while 14 patients had flap cover. Osteomyelitis was the commonest complication.
CONCLUSION: Open tibial fractures remain a problem to the patient and the attending surgeon. We suggest early cooperation between Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons in management of this problem.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 90-93
METHOD: A retrospective study between January and December 2001. Data collated from patients folders and operating register included age, sex, part(s) of the leg involved, type of open fractures, associated injuries, time before presentation, time between injury and surgery, method of surgical management, complications and follow up period.
RESULT: There were 155 patients with open tibial fractures during the period, 117 were males and 38 were females. The mean age was 35.7years. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause. The injury pattern is follows: Type1 forty-five (29.1%) patients, type 11 sixty-two (40%) and type 111 forty-five (29.1%). Distal third of the leg was the most and worst affected. Soft tissue cover was achieved by debridement and dressing till wound healed by secondary intention in 71 patients, primary closure in 8 patients and 29 had delayed primary closure. Thirty-three patients had split thickness skin graft cover while 14 patients had flap cover. Osteomyelitis was the commonest complication.
CONCLUSION: Open tibial fractures remain a problem to the patient and the attending surgeon. We suggest early cooperation between Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons in management of this problem.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 90-93
