Treatment of Extensive Soft Tissue Injury with Polypropylene Prosthesis: A Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Soft tissue injuries are common in orthopaedics, often requiring complex reconstructive procedures.
• Current myocutaneous flap techniques have limitations in applicability and execution.
• Innovative therapies using prosthesis are being developed to address these limitations.

Observation:

• A case of extensive foot injury with soft tissue exposure, muscle damage, tendon exposure, cuboid fracture, and bone loss was reported.
• Initial debridement was performed, followed by the implantation of a polypropylene prosthesis after 72 hours.
• The prosthesis was replaced after 60 days and removed after 76 days, with no signs of infection.

Findings:

• The study reports successful total healing by second intention 8 months post-implantation.
• The patient's motor and sensory functions were preserved.
• The polypropylene prosthesis technique proved effective for extensive injuries, similar to Figueiredo's technique for fingertip trauma.

Implications:

• Figueiredo's technique, using an affordable polypropylene prosthesis, can be extended to treat more severe soft tissue defects.
• This method presents a cost-effective alternative to myocutaneous flaps, enhancing accessibility in various healthcare settings.
• The technique yields excellent aesthetic outcomes without compromising function in other body regions.