title: Open diaphyseal long bone fractures: a reduction method using devitalized or extruded osseous fragments.
abstract: Open diaphyseal and meta-diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremity remain therapeutically challenging. Currently accepted treatment methods consist of a thorough irrigation and debridement of nonviable tissue combined with locked intramedullary nailing. Although exact reduction parameters remain controversial, achievement of a satisfactory reduction becomes increasingly difficult with fracture comminution and overt bone loss. We describe the simple technique of using multiple associated devitalized tibial bone fragments to obtain an accurate reduction prior to intramedullary nailing. This technique can be extended to other long bone fractures.
authors.affiliation: Harborview Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Seattle, WA 98104, USA. barei@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Barei
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Taitsman
authors.forename: Daphne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beingessner
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Dunbar
authors.forename: Sean E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Nork
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome