title: Management of difficult lower extremity fractures and nonunions.
abstract: Difficult fractures and nonunions of the lower extremities are defined as compound fractures with soft-tissue loss, segmental bone fractures, and infected nonunions. A variety of methods for managing these defects are presented, including the use of modern fixation techniques and the application of highly vascularized bone and soft tissues. Vascularized bone grafts play a significant role in the treatment of difficult fractures that previously would have required amputation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery