The Effects of Timing of Soft Tissue Coverage on Outcomes After Reconstruction of Type IIIB Open Tibia Fractures

High-energy open fractures of the tibia are frequently associated with tissue loss, wound contamination, and compromised vascularity that often result in amputation. The management of these severe injuries remains a challenge for orthopedic reconstructive surgeons. Studies have compared the timing of soft tissue coverage of Gustilo type IIIB open tibia fractures with associated outcomes such as rate of deep infection, primary union, length of hospitalization, flap failure, and eventual secondary amputation. These studies often highlight better outcomes with specific time domains that are not always attainable at a large tertiary hospital with multi-system trauma patients. Many studies do not account for delayed patient transfers after initial open fracture management elsewhere. This retrospective analysis of the limb salvage outcomes included 140 consecutive patients with Gustilo type IIIB open tibia fractures who presented to the authors' level I trauma center between 2001 and 2014. The authors included patients who required delayed coverage or who were transferred from outside institutions. The majority (77%) were male, and the mean age was 39.4 years. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of injury, and 83% of patients obtained full weight-bearing status with successful limb salvage. Twenty patients had a secondary amputation, with the cause being refractory osteomyelitis in 52%. This study provides guidance on treating a heterogeneous patient population with severe open tibia fractures typically seen in a large tertiary hospital orthopedic trauma service. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(5):260-266.].