[Replantation for complete amputated finger composite lateral tissues]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Tibial angular deformity and skin contracture pose significant challenges in orthopedic treatment.
• Single-stage correction methods are sought to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Ilizarov technique combined with flap instant expansion for one-stage correction of tibial angular deformity with skin contracture.
• To assess functional recovery and pain levels post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 patients with tibial deformity and skin contracture underwent one-stage correction using the Ilizarov technique and flap instant expansion.
• Patients were monitored via X-ray, with knee function assessed using the American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and pain evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• Successful correction was achieved in all patients, with an average correction angle of 25.5°.
• High functional scores (HSS: 92.5±6.6) and low pain scores (VAS: 1.2±1.5) were reported.
• Complications were minimal, including one case of wound infection and two instances of screw loosening, with no reported skin flap necrosis or neurovascular injury.

Conclusions:

• The combined Ilizarov technique and flap instant expansion offers a safe and effective one-stage solution for tibial angular deformity with skin contracture.
• This approach leads to shorter external fixation periods, preserves skin viability, avoids neurological complications, and facilitates early functional rehabilitation.