title: The use of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia in the Wenchuan earthquake.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to review the results of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) to treat patients who sustained tibial and fibular fractures in the Wenchuan earthquake.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analysed 179 cases (of which 85 were classified as Gustilo grade III) of open comminuted fracture of the tibia and fibula caused by the Wenchuan earthquake. The patients were followed up for an average of 15 months; detailed records were kept on their function and recovery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After caring for the life-threatening injuries; fractures were treated by external fixation, with VSD used on the surface or in the cavity of the wound after debridement. Antibiotics were administered on the basis of drug sensitivity test results. After the infection had been controlled and healthy granulation tissue had developed, the patients underwent secondary suture, free skin grafting, or skin flap transfer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Good results can be achieved when external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage were used to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia and fibula in the Wenchuan earthquake.
authors.affiliation: The Orthopedic Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. gukeliulei@126.com
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Fujun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Luan
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Pengde
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Chongqi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Fuxing
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pei
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China; D055866:Earthquakes; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
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