Masquelet technique combined with microsurgical technique for treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures: a retrospective single-center cohort study

Abstract

Objective This study was performed to investigate the clinical effects of the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique for treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures. Methods Fifteen patients with a mean age of 39.3 ± 7.9 years (range, 21–43 years) with Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures were treated by the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique from May 2013 to January 2017. The mean length of the bone defect was 6.9 ±2.2 cm (range, 5.2–10.7 cm). The mean area of the wound defect was 129.3 ± 41.4 cm 2 (range, 83.7–180 cm 2 ). Complications and fracture healing were recorded. At the last follow-up, the functional outcome was measured using the Iowa ankle score. Results All 15 patients achieved bone healing, and the median healing time was about 6.1 months (range, 5–8 months). No complications such as infection or nonunion occurred. At the last follow-up, the median Iowa ankle score was 82 (range, 68–88). The rate of an excellent and good Iowa ankle score was 86.6%. Conclusions Application of the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique is an effective strategy for the treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures.