Foot and ankle reconstruction after blast injuries.
Foot and ankle reconstruction following blast trauma is particularly challenging based on the devastating soft tissue injuries associated with open comminuted fractures. Considering the difficulties encountered in reconstruction, the functional limitations associated with many salvaged limbs, and the superior performance of contemporary prosthetics, many injured service members may benefit more from below knee amputation than from limb salvage. Limb salvage of blast-injured extremities is a multidisciplinary effort directed toward eradication of infection, treatment of soft tissue and bone defects, and management of late reconstructive procedures. External ring fixators have an important and expanding role in the treatment algorithm.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA. fxmcguigan@bethesda.med.navy.mil
Francis X
FX
McGuigan
Jonathan A
JA
Forsberg
Romney C
RC
Andersen
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing