Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Methods of bone fixation and skin loss coverage in open leg fractures in precarious area

Author(s):

Towoezim Tchaa Hodabalo, Dellanh Yaovi Yanick, Ayouba Gamal, Bakriga Batarabadja, Kombaté Kanfitine Noufanague, Walla Atchia and Abalo Anani

Abstract:
Introduction: Open leg fractures are common. The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of open leg fractures in two hospitals in northern Togo.
Patients and Method: This study was retrospective and descriptive over a 4-year period, from January 2019 to December 2022. It concerned patients managed for a recent open leg fracture in whom osteosynthesis and plasty to cover the fracture site were performed.
Results: We selected 37 patients. The mean age was 34 years. There were 30 men and 7 women, with a sex ratio M/F = 4.3. They were victims of a road accident (95%, n=35) and a work-related accident involving a heavy object falling on the leg (5%, n=2). According to the Gustilo and Anderson classification, the wounds were type II (38%, n=14), and type IIIB (62%, n=23). According to the AO classification, the fracture line was simple in 54% and complex in 46%. Osteosynthesis of the tibia was performed with an external fixator in 23 patients (62%), and centromedullary nailing in 14 cases (38%). The fracture site was covered by a fasciocutaneous flap (43%; n=16) and a muscle flap (57%; n=21). At a mean follow-up of 28 months, there were 4 cases of chronic osteitis. According to the Ketenjian evaluation criteria, the result was judged excellent and very good (57%, n=21); good (30%, n=11) and poor (13%, n=5).
Conclusion: External fixator and muscle flaps are the most commonly used techniques, with satisfactory results.

Pages: 07-12  |  390 Views  128 Downloads



How to cite this article:
Towoezim Tchaa Hodabalo, Dellanh Yaovi Yanick, Ayouba Gamal, Bakriga Batarabadja, Kombaté Kanfitine Noufanague, Walla Atchia and Abalo Anani. Methods of bone fixation and skin loss coverage in open leg fractures in precarious area. Nat. J. Clin. Orthop. 2024;8(2):07-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/orthor.2024.v8.i2a.439