Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Trephination and subatmospheric pressure therapy in the management of extremity exposed bone
Wei F Chen1, Stathis J Poulakidas, Areta Kowal-Vern
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Background:
Distal lower and upper extremity wounds with bone and tendon exposure present unique challenges to reconstructive surgeons. The limitations of the local anatomy usually make simpler reconstructive modalities such as primary closure and skin grafting difficult. As a result, wounds in this area, especially ones with bone or tendon exposures, are classically treated with free tissue transfer.
Methods:
Limb preservation using the combination of bone trephination and subatmospheric pressure therapy is described.
Results:
Six cases with preserved extremities are presented. Three cases illustrate extremity wound with bone and tendon exposure healing through pregrafting wound optimization (bone trephination) with the use of subatmospheric pressure therapy.
Conclusions:
This treatment may offer an alternative method of limb salvage, in cases where flaps or free tissue transfer are not possible or optimal.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...