Extremity Trauma, Open Fractures, And Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Accidents and trauma, especially the high energy types, can lead to serious wounds of the extremities. If there is bone injury involved along with a skin wound, this is known as an open fracture. Depending on the extent of the injury, there may be an associated major vessel injury and/or wound requiring soft tissue reconstruction. These open fractures are managed with an orthopaedic surgeon and occasionally a vascular surgeon. If the wound is contaminated, you may require multiple washouts and debridement before definitive bone fixation and soft tissue reconstruction is performed. Your plastic surgeon can help to coordinate and manage all these stages.