Travmatologiâ i Ortopediâ Rossii (Sep 2024)
Lower leg shortening technique in treatment of the wounded with gunshot tibial fractures
Abstract
Background. The severity of gunshot wounds to the extremities is due to the formation of bone and soft tissue defects. The relevance of this publication is determined by the need to introduce simple and effective methods into the practice of providing assistance to the wounded. The technique under consideration fully satisfies these requirements. The aims of the study: 1) to optimize the lower leg shortening technique and analyze the short-term results of its application in treatment of the wounded with gunshot tibial fractures; 2) to assess the indications for surgical restoration of the lower leg length after its shortening. Methods. The study enrolled 45 wounded patients with gunshot fractures of the lower leg bones. Reconstructive interventions were performed on 51 segments. In the absence of purulent-necrotic lesions of the fragments ends, closed reduction and convergence to tight contact without resection were performed (13 cases, group I). In the case of necrosis of the fragments ends, resection and convergence were performed with significant shortening of the segment (38 cases, group II). Results. The amount of shortening accounted for 4 cm [3; 6] in group I and 8 cm [7; 10] in group II (p0.001). Due to the convergence of the fragments, the reduction of the soft tissue defect was 25 cm2 [11; 41] and 38 cm2 [20; 81] in group I and II respectively. In 2 (15.4%) patients in group I and 4 (10.5%) patients in group II no fusion occurred. In the remaining cases the fusion occurred, the consolidation period was 50 [45; 59] weeks in group I and 36.5 [29; 43] weeks in group II (p0.001). Conclusions. Depending on the condition of fragments ends, there are two possible options of the shortening technique: without resection and with resection of the fragments ends. Shortening without resection is possible in the absence of signs of fragment necrosis. The disadvantage is the risk of delayed fusion, the advantage is the ability to avoid traumatic intervention in the form of resection of the fragments ends. In case of the fragments ends necrosis, their transverse resection and convergence with the elimination of diastasis between them is necessary. The advantage of this shortening technique is the optimization of conditions and reduction of fusion time, the disadvantage is the formation of significant bone defects. The need for lengthening of the shortened segment does not always arise. Lengthening as a second stage after conducting rehabilitation is considered as an optimal choice.
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