title: The use of early flap coverage in severe open physeal fractures: a report of two cases.
abstract: Open physeal fractures associated with severe overlying soft tissue loss present significant challenges to the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. In addition to providing adequate soft tissue coverage, preventing chronic infection, and achieving bony healing, surgical care should attempt to preserve the physis to maintain growth for the best long-term outcomes. Here we present two cases of open physeal disruptions with severe soft tissue loss. In each case, early use of vascularized flap coverage assisted in fracture healing and contributed to preservation of the physis and subsequent bony growth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Donald S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pribaz
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries*; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D013524:Surgical Flaps