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The use of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia in the Wenchuan earthquake

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review the results of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) to treat patients who sustained tibial and fibular fractures in the Wenchuan earthquake.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 179 cases (of which 85 were classified as Gustilo grade III) of open comminuted fracture of the tibia and fibula caused by the Wenchuan earthquake. The patients were followed up for an average of 15 months; detailed records were kept on their function and recovery.

Results

After caring for the life-threatening injuries; fractures were treated by external fixation, with VSD used on the surface or in the cavity of the wound after debridement. Antibiotics were administered on the basis of drug sensitivity test results. After the infection had been controlled and healthy granulation tissue had developed, the patients underwent secondary suture, free skin grafting, or skin flap transfer.

Conclusion

Good results can be achieved when external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage were used to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia and fibula in the Wenchuan earthquake.

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Conflict of interest

We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organisations that can inappropriately influence our work, there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the position presented in this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Orthopedic Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China

    Lei Liu, Gang Tan, Fujun Luan, Xin Tang, Pengde Kang, Chongqi Tu & Fuxing Pei

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  1. Lei Liu
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  2. Gang Tan
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  3. Fujun Luan
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  4. Xin Tang
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  5. Pengde Kang
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  6. Chongqi Tu
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  7. Fuxing Pei
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fuxing Pei.

Additional information

Gang Tan contributed equally to this work.

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Liu, L., Tan, G., Luan, F. et al. The use of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia in the Wenchuan earthquake. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 36, 1441–1447 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1404-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1404-6

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