title: [A treatment concept using external transfixation in unstable defect trauma of the knee joint].
abstract: The main problems in the treatment of severe knee injuries with extensive soft tissue damage, ligamentary lesions and compound fractures consist in the high risk of infection and complex instability of the joint. 20 patients suffering such type of trauma were treated by a schedule comprising an extensive debridement and a combination of minimal internal osteosynthesis and external transfixation. Secondary operations were always performed as a second look in all patients and various surgical reconstructions of the soft tissue coverage under continuous protection of the external fixation. Most patients obtained satisfactory functional results, only 2 cases ended up with arthrodesis due to deep infection.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Unfallchirurgie, Chirurgische Universitätsklinik, Homburg/Saar.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bühren
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Potulski
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Trentz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003646:Debridement; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012421:Rupture; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery
vernacular_title: Behandlungskonzept mit Anwendung der externen Transfixation bei instabilen Defekttraumen des Kniegelenkes.