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Subatmospheric pressure dressings in the temporary treatment of soft tissue injuries associated with type III open tibial shaft fractures in children.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the use of subatmospheric pressure dressings on high-energy open tibial shaft fractures in children. We hypothesized that the use of a negative-pressure dressing in these fractures would result in a decreased incidence of infection and decreased need for pedicled muscle flaps and free tissue transfer. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 15 consecutive pediatric patients with 16 type III open tibial shaft fractures (8 type IIIA, 7 type IIIB, and 1 type IIIC). The patients' age ranged from 2 to 17 years. All patients underwent a standard protocol of serial irrigation and debridement of the open wound with bony stabilization. Temporary coverage of the open wound was obtained with the use of a subatmospheric pressure dressing until definitive wound coverage or closure. RESULTS: Infection occurred in 5 of 16 fractures, 2 requiring antibiotics alone (1 type IIIA and 1 type IIIB) and 3 requiring surgical intervention (2 type IIIB and 1 type IIIC). Seven of 16 (3 type IIIA, 3 type IIIB, and 1 type IIIC) fractures required repeat surgical intervention to facilitate bony healing. Only 3 patients required free tissue transfers or rotational muscle flaps for coverage, a 50% decrease compared with the initial classification. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other described methods, the use of subatmospheric pressure dressings in the temporary treatment of soft tissue wounds associated with high-energy open tibial shaft may reduce the need for major soft tissue coverage procedures. Its effect on infection and fracture healing rates requires further study. SIGNIFICANCE: A reduction in the need for major soft tissue coverage procedures with the use of negative-pressure dressings in this setting should result in decreased morbidity for these patients and in decreased social and financial costs.

Adolescent↗

Pilon fractures. Treatment protocol based on severity of soft tissue injury.

One hundred seven pilon fractures in 107 patients were treated according to a staged prospective protocol. All pilon fractures were stabilized immediately by the application of calcaneal traction. Open fractures or fractures in patients with multiple injuries were stabilized with traveling traction that was applied in the operating room. A distraction computed tomography scan was obtained before definitive treatment. Treatment groups were based on the degree of soft tissue compromise. Forty-one patients with Tscherne Grade 0 or Grade I injuries underwent open reduction and internal fixation (open plating) using contemporary techniques and low-profile implants. Sixty-four patients with Tscherne Grade II and Grade III closed injuries and all patients with open fractures underwent definitive treatment with limited open reduction and stabilization using small wire circular external fixators. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at an average 4.9 years after injury. For all fracture types (AO classification), 81% of the patients who were treated with external fixation and 75% of the patients who were treated with open plating had good or excellent results. For severe fracture patterns (Type C), patients in both groups had significantly poorer results than patients with Types A and B fractures. The patients in the open plating group had a significantly higher rate of nonunion, malunion, and severe wound complications compared with the patients who received external fixation for Type C fracture patterns. Because of the increased incidence of bony and soft tissue complications when treating open or closed Type C fractures, use of limited exposures and stabilization with small wire circular external fixators is recommended.

Ankle Injuries↗

[Transcutaneous po2 measurement in follow-up of severe soft tissue injuries of open fractures].

The transcutaneous assessment of tissue oxygenation has become an useful method in evaluating microcirculatory disorders in different diseases. In this clinical experimental pilot study the impact of compound fractures on tissue oxygenation was examined. Using a special probe placed directly into the muscle, tissue oxygenation was measured at the site of tissue injury as well as at one non-injured site within the same fractured extremity. Furthermore, also one non-injured extremity was measured as a control. At the injured site tissue oxygenation was significantly increased during the first 4 days after trauma as compared to the non-injured extremity (40.7 +/- 1.8 mmHg vs. 23.5 +/- 4.1 mmHg). At the same time the non-injured site of the fractured extremity appeared to be significantly less oxygenated as compared to the noninjured extremity (13.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg vs. 23.5 +/- 4.1 mmHg). After day 4 until the end of the study (day 10) a complete return to normal values was noted at both sites. In conclusion it is most likely that due to a change of microcirculation within the fractured extremity the injured site is temporarily oversaturated by oxygen combined with lacking oxygenation at the non-injured site. As the microcirculatory status may be important in making decision in trauma surgery (e.g. whether or not to amputate) the method of transcutaneous oxygen measurement is a practical and useful method in trauma care.

Adolescent↗

The use of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the temporary treatment of soft-tissue injuries associated with high-energy open tibial shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the setting of high-energy open tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective consecutive series in a level 1 university-based trauma center. Forty-nine consecutive patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center between 1996 and 2004 with 50 grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures were assessed. INTERVENTION: The open wounds associated with each fracture were each treated with NPWT before definitive wound closure or coverage. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Infection rate, need for amputation after attempted definitive coverage, problems with bony healing requiring surgical intervention, reoperation rate after definitive coverage, and the type of definitive coverage required. RESULTS: The overall infection rate for all grade/type III open fractures was 15 of 50 fractures (30%), with 11 of 50 (22%) requiring repeated surgery for infection. The infection rate was 12.5% for grade/type IIIA open fractures, 45.8% for grade/type IIIB, and 50% for grade/type IIIC. Twenty-four of 50 fractures (48%) required subsequent surgery to facilitate fracture healing. Five fractures required amputation after attempted coverage. Seven of 24 fractures initially classified as grade/type IIIA and 10 of 24 fractures initially classified as grade/type IIIB ultimately required free tissue transfer or rotational muscle flap coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Infection and nonunion rates with the use of NPWT for temporary coverage of wounds associated with grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures are similar to those of historical controls, but this technique may be beneficial in decreasing the need for free tissue transfer or rotational muscle flap coverage.

Adult↗

Open fractures of the calcaneus: soft-tissue injury determines outcome.

BACKGROUND: Studies of open calcaneal fractures have been limited and have not analyzed results according to wound location, severity of soft-tissue disruption, fracture type, or treatment method. In this study, results were evaluated on the basis of the hypothesis that early surgical intervention was indicated. METHODS: Between 1989 and 1997, 503 calcaneal fractures were treated at our institution, and forty-three of these fractures, in forty-two patients, were open (8.5%). According to the Gustilo classification there were nine type-I, eight type-II, twelve type-IIIA, and thirteen type-IIIB open fractures as well as one type-IIIC open fracture. All fractures were treated according to the same protocol, consisting of intravenous administration of antibiotics chosen on the basis of the wound type, irrigation and débridement in the operating room, temporary wound coverage, and initial stabilization of the limb. Definitive final fixation was performed after the wound was clean, and soft-tissue swelling was minimal. The final follow-up examinations were performed at a minimum of two years after treatment. Clinical results were graded with use of the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score. RESULTS: An infection developed at the sites of 37% of the forty-three fractures, with osteomyelitis developing at the sites of 19%. Seven of the nine type-I open fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation or with primary fusion, with no major complications and a good-to-excellent short-term result. Three of the eight type-II open fractures were complicated by an infection. Three of the twelve type-IIIA open fractures and ten of the thirteen type-IIIB open fractures were complicated by an infection. Six of the infections associated with a type-IIIB open fracture progressed to osteomyelitis, and three of those cases led to an amputation. Overall, thirteen (50%) of the twenty-six type-III open fractures were complicated by an infection, with osteomyelitis occurring in seven (27%). Thirty-three patients with a total of thirty-four open calcaneal fractures were available for follow-up at a minimum of two years, and an average of fifty-five months. The average AOFAS hindfoot score for the twenty-seven patients who had not undergone amputation was 71 points. CONCLUSIONS: Open calcaneal fractures have a high propensity for deep infection despite the use of an aggressive treatment protocol to prevent it. It appears that type-I and type-II open fractures associated with a medial wound can be treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Type-II fractures associated with a wound in another location should be treated with limited or no internal fixation. Type-III open fractures, and especially type-IIIB open fractures, require extensive débridement and prompt soft-tissue coverage as soon as possible. Early internal fixation should be avoided in this subgroup because of the high rates of osteomyelitis and subsequent amputation.

Adult↗

Topical dimethylsulfoxide for the prevention of soft tissue injury after extravasation of vesicant cytotoxic drugs: a prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the activity and tolerability of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in the prevention of soft tissue toxicity after extravasation of cytotoxic drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 1991 to December 1994, all patients who had an extravasation during intravenous (IV) infusion of cytotoxic drugs in our institution were considered for an open, prospective study of preventive treatment with 99% DMSO, applied topically on the extravasation site every 8 hours for 7 days. Intermittent local cooling (for 1 hour three times daily) on the first 3 days was also used. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients with extravasations of doxorubicin (n = 11), epirubicin (n = 46), mitomycin (n = 5), mitoxantrone (n = 13), cisplatin (n = 44), carboplatin (n = 6), ifosfamide (n = 14), and fluorouracil (n = 5) entered the study; 127 were assessable. Only one patient suffered an ulceration. The treatment was well tolerated, with mild local burning and a characteristic breath odor being the only side effects of DMSO application, even in cases in which treatment continued for up to 6 weeks to obtain remission of the symptoms of extravasation. CONCLUSION: Topical DMSO is an effective and safe antidote that may be used with local cooling after extravasations of vesicant drugs other than those drugs for which standard interventions are defined.

Administration, Topical↗

Complete dislocation of the knee: spectrum of associated soft-tissue injuries depicted by MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Complete knee dislocation is a rare injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of injuries that are depicted by MR imaging in patients with a dislocation of the knee and to determine if there is any predictive factor that might indicate those patients who may be at risk for popliteal nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search for patients sustaining traumatic knee dislocations who had radiographs and an MR imaging examination of the knee as part of their initial evaluation was done at three level I trauma centers for the period between 1989 and 1993. Each MR examination was independently reviewed by three osteoradiologists for ligamentous, tendinous, meniscal, and osseous injuries. Equivocal diagnoses were decided by consensus. Only patients who underwent surgery were selected. MR imaging findings were confirmed at the time of surgery. Seventeen patients (15 men, two women; age range, 14-62 years; mean age, 29 years) were studied. Motor vehicle accident, fall from a height, a vehicle striking a pedestrian, and football injury were common mechanisms of injury. Posterior dislocation (seven patients) and anterior dislocation (five patients) were the most common injuries. RESULTS: At the time of surgery, all patients had complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, 15 had complete tears of the posterior cruciate ligament, nine had complete tears of the medial collateral ligament, and 12 had tears of the fibular collateral ligament (nine tore both the fibular collateral ligament and the biceps femoris tendon). Popliteal tendon tears occurred in eight patients (six complete, two partial). Of the six patients with complete tears of the popliteal tendon, five occurred at the musculotendinous junction; all were the result of either posterior or posterolateral dislocations. Four patients had injuries to the peroneal nerve; three of the four also had tears of the popliteal tendon. On MR imaging, the integrity of the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments was correctly depicted in all 17 patients; evaluation of the posterior cruciate ligament resulted in one false-positive and one false-negative diagnosis of a tear; evaluation of the medial collateral ligament resulted in one false-positive diagnosis of a tear; and one false-positive diagnosis of a tear occurred with evaluation of the popliteal tendon. CONCLUSION: Knee dislocations cause extensive disruption of the ligaments that stabilize the knee and the surrounding soft-tissue structures, including the popliteal artery. Nearly all will result in disruption of the cruciate ligments and, often, injury of the collateral ligaments. An injury to the popliteal tendon denotes a more severe injury. The mechanism of injury that results in a popliteal tendon tear may also increase the possibility of a peroneal nerve injury. Recognition of this pattern of injuries on MR imaging enables precautionary observation for ischemic changes of the foot to be instituted in patients that otherwise may not be considered at risk for acute vascular compromise.

Adolescent↗

Reconstruction of soft tissue injuries of the foot and ankle with microsurgical techniques.

Microsurgical reconstruction for injuries of the foot and ankle includes, in addition to repair of small nerves, vessels, and tendons, coverage of soft tissue defects. Local transpositional and island pedicle flaps are ideal when available and adequate. The choice of free vascularized flaps is based on its potential durability, contour, bulk, and appearance. Thin cutaneous flaps, fascial flaps, and muscle flaps covered with split thickness skin grafts are appropriate in specific areas. Neurosensory flaps and methods of reinnervation may have a place in extensively denervated feet. Good postoperative pedorthic care aids in the final outcome.

Ankle↗

Experience with wound VAC and delayed primary closure of contaminated soft tissue injuries in Iraq.

BACKGROUND: Wartime missile injuries are frequently high-energy wounds that devitalize and contaminate tissue, with high risk for infection and wound complications. Debridement, irrigation, and closure by secondary intention are fundamental principles for the management of these injuries. However, closure by secondary intention was impractical in Iraqi patients. Therefore, wounds were closed definitively before discharge in all Iraqi patients treated for such injures at our hospital. A novel wound management protocol was developed to facilitate this practice, and patient outcomes were tracked. This article describes that protocol and discusses the outcomes in a series of 88 wounds managed with it. METHODS: High-energy injuries were treated with rapid aggressive debridement and pulsatile lavage, then covered with negative pressure (vacuum-assisted closure [VAC]) dressings. Patients underwent serial operative irrigation and debridement until wounds appeared clean to gross inspection, at which time they were closed primarily. Patient treatment and outcome data were recorded in a prospectively updated database. RESULTS: Treatment and outcomes data from September 2004 through May 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 88 high-energy soft tissue wounds identified in 77 patients. Surprisingly, for this cohort of patients the wound infection rate was 0% and the overall wound complication rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: This series of 88 cases is the first report of the use of a negative pressure dressing (wound VAC) as part of the definitive management of high-energy soft tissue wounds in a deployed wartime environment. Our experience with these patients suggests that conventional wound management doctrine may be improved with the wound VAC, resulting in earlier more reliable primary closure of wartime injuries.

Bandages↗

Management of complex perineal soft-tissue injuries.

Debridement, fecal diversion, and rectal washout have been proposed as the primary therapy for complex perineal lacerations, but, in most series, survivors have a pelvic sepsis rate of 40-80%. In a retrospective study, six of 18 patients sustaining severe perineal lacerations died within the first few hours of injury due to exsanguination from pelvic injuries. The remaining 12 patients underwent sigmoidoscopy, diversion of the fecal stream with irrigation of the distal rectal stump, and radical initial debridement of necrotic soft tissue. Enteral access was obtained in two patients. In the patients with mandatory daily debridement and pulsatile irrigation, no pelvic sepsis occurred. In three patients without daily debridement, pelvic sepsis complicated recovery. The ability of patients to resume oral nutrition was significantly delayed, necessitating total parenteral nutrition in three patients. We conclude that sigmoidoscopy, total diversion of the fecal stream with irrigation of the distal rectal stump, enteral access for feeding, radical initial debridement of necrotic soft tissue, and mandatory daily debridement with pulsatile irrigation optimize recovery from this devastating injury.

Adult↗

[Contrast arthrography in the diagnosis of soft tissue injuries round the elbow joint (author's transl)].

Based on the experience of 115 examinations, the authors first describes the normal radiological appearances on arthrography of the elbow joint. Subsequently, the radiological criteria are discussed which permit a diagnosis of intra- and para-articular soft tissue lesions due to closed trauma of the elbow joint. Arthrography with positive (water-soluble) contrast media enables one to diagnose rupture of the joint capsule and ligaments, and to diagnose with certainty subluxations of the various parts of the joint. Is is also possible to demonstrate haematomas between the muscles, which may lead to a reduction in joint function. Negative contrast medium (carbon dioxide, oxygen) permits the diagnosis of rupture of the insertion of the biceps.

Adolescent↗

Scintigraphic and ultrasonographic diagnosis of soft tissue injury in a thoroughbred horse.

A 2.5-year-old female Thoroughbred horse was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital for right front limb lameness of 1 year duration. Physical examination and diagnostic nerve blocks failed to localize the origin of the lameness. Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP suggested increased radionuclide uptake in the palmar metacarpal soft tissues of the right front limb. Ultrasonographic examination revealed hypoechoic lesions in the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament, suggesting tendinitis and desmitis. Combined imaging modalities improved detection and characterization of the cause of a long-standing obscure lameness.

Animals↗

Treatment of soft-tissue injuries by pulsed electrical energy.

Twenty pairs of patients matched for sex, age, weight, and degree of trauma were treated either with an active Diapulse machine emitting pulsed, high-frequency electrical energy or with a non-active placebo machine. They were examined for swelling, pain, and disability before treatment and after three days under double-blind conditions. The results show that the pulsed, high-frequency electrical treatment has a definite biological effect on recently injured soft tissues, especially in the reduction of pain and disability.

Ankle Injuries↗

Fractures of the ipsilateral femur and tibia: emphasis on intra-articular and soft tissue injury.

Twenty-one patients with fractures of the ipsilateral femur and tibia were treated at Boston City Hospital from 1982 through 1987. Fourteen (67%) of the 21 patients sustained a total of 17 open fractures (76% of which were grade II or III wounds). Over 50% of the patients suffered concomitant ipsilateral knee injuries. Associated injuries required 37 nonorthopaedic procedures; 30 orthopaedic procedures were required to stabilize the axial skeleton and the other three extremities. Five patients ultimately required amputation, reflecting the magnitude of the initial high-energy trauma. Superior results were achieved when early rigid intramedullary fixation of the femur and rigid stabilization of the tibia with either an intramedullary nail or an external fixator was undertaken. Patients that underwent initial rigid intramedullary fixation of both the femur and tibia required fewer secondary operative procedures than those treated with primary external fixation. Rigid internal fixation allowed for thorough evaluation and treatment of the ligamentous structures of the knee and facilitated management of the soft tissue trauma.

Adolescent↗

Arch structure and injury patterns in runners.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if high-arched and low-arched runners exhibit different injury patterns. DESIGN: Non-randomized, two-group injury survey. BACKGROUND: Running-related injuries are thought to be related, in part, to lower extremity structure. High-arched and low-arched runners with their different bony architecture may exhibit very different lower extremity mechanics and, consequently, different injury patterns. It was hypothesized that high-arched runners will exhibit a greater incidence of lateral injuries, skeletal injuries and knee injuries while low-arched runners will show a greater incidence of medial injuries, soft tissue injuries and foot injuries. METHODS: Twenty high-arched and 20 low-arched runners were included in this study. Running-related injuries were recorded and divided into injury patterns of medial/lateral, bony/soft tissue and knee/foot and ankle for both high-arched and low-arched runners. A chi(2) analysis was then employed in an attempt to associate injury patterns with arch structure. RESULTS: High-arched runners reported a greater incidence of ankle injuries, bony injuries and lateral injuries. Low-arched runners exhibited more knee injuries, soft tissue injuries and medial injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, high and low arch structure is associated with different injury patterns in runners. Relevance. Different injury patterns are present in individuals with extreme high arches when compared to those with extremely low arches. These relationships may lead to improved treatment and intervention strategies for runners based on their predisposing foot structure.

Adult↗

Management of joint and soft tissue injuries in three general practices: value of on-site physiotherapy.

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the potential benefits in patient management and cost effectiveness of physiotherapists employed by general practitioners compared with direct hospital access and access via consultants. The study involved 401 patients from three rural general practices in south Cheshire and north Staffordshire and took place over six months. On-site physiotherapy in general practice premises resulted in higher referral rates to the physiotherapist compared with the practice using direct hospital access or the practice with access via consultants. Both on site and direct access physiotherapy were associated with fewer prescriptions and lower overall prescribing costs per patient than access to physiotherapy via consultants. There was less time lost from work and normal duties for patients attending the practice with on site physiotherapy compared with those attending the practice which required referral via hospital consultants. Access to physiotherapy via hospital specialists resulted in considerably longer delays than on site physiotherapy and greatly increased the financial costs for the patient. Physiotherapy in general practice premises is a cost effective way of dealing with joint and soft tissue complaints. Direct access to the physiotherapy department within hospitals results in longer delays but provides a satisfactory service. There is little to recommend the utilization of hospital consultants as a means of access to physiotherapy.

Connective Tissue↗