Therefore, it is difficult to derive any statistically significant trends. It is clear, however, that high grade open tibial fractures are problematic injuries. Complications, most notably infection and nonunion, are extremely common and should be anticipated. If the need for coverage is foreseen, early referral or consultation is recommended. This data demonstrates that soft tissue coverage is usually successful in obtaining limb salvage, often leading to good or acceptable outcomes.
Early coverage appears to provide the greatest benefit.
Prevention of Infection in the Treatment of One Thousand and Twenty Five Open Fractures of Long Bones. Retrospective and Prospective Analysis. A New Classification of Type III Open Fractures. A Ten Year Experience with 304 Consecutive Cases. Post-Trauma Reconstruction with Free Tissue Transfer.