Synchronous circular frame stabilisation and microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction for open lower limb fractures–A cost analysis and description of the surgical technique

Abstract

Introduction: Current surgical paradigms for ortho-plastic management of IIIB open tibial fractures make compromises. Often, definitive circular frame stabilisation is delayed until the soft tissue envelope is secure to allow access for further soft tissue reconstruction if required. This delay has potential clinical and cost implications. A previous study showed acute circular frame stabilisation performed concurrently or before soft tissue reconstruction was feasible without additional soft tissue reconstruction problems. This study examines potential resource savings using this approach. Methods: All open tibial fractures managed by circular fixator and microsurgical soft tissue reconstru..