Publication: Vascular injuries in compound fractures of the leg with initially adequate circulation
Issued Date
1998-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0301620X
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2-s2.0-0031936313
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Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series B. Vol.80, No.2 (1998), 254-258
Suggested Citation
Saranatra Waikakul, Somjet Sakkarnkosol, Vichai Vanadurongwan Vascular injuries in compound fractures of the leg with initially adequate circulation. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series B. Vol.80, No.2 (1998), 254-258. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.80B2.8074 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/18561
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Title
Vascular injuries in compound fractures of the leg with initially adequate circulation
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Abstract
We carried out a randomised, controlled trial in 157 patients who had isolated severe Gustilo type-IIIa and type-IIIb fractures of the metaphysis or diaphysis of the leg to determine the prevalence of vascular injuries and the role of vascular repair. All patients had stable vital signs and clinically adequate circulation in their legs before operation. In a control group of 64 patients we performed conventional surgery with systematic debridement and primary stabilisation of the fractures. In the trial group of 93 patients the major vessels and nerves adjoining the compound fracture were routinely explored and repaired when necessary after the initial procedure. Two of the 28 control patients (7.1%) with type-IIIb compound fractures had signs of inadequate circulation after the first operation. Both had major vascular injuries which were demonstrated at a second procedure. In the trial group, major vascular injuries were found in two of 54 patients (3.7%) with type-IIIa and 11 of 39 patients (28.2%) with type-IIIb compound fractures. Compared with the control group the trial group showed improved results at both the immediate and long-term follow-up. Routine exploration and early repair of injured major vessels of the leg in severe compound fractures gave encouraging results.