Soft tissue defects and bone loss in tibial fractures–treatment with free flaps and bone transport

Abstract

Open tibial fractures, with loss of soft tissue and bone, and established infected nonunions require soft tissue cover, bone reconstruction and eradication of infection to regain a functional extremity. The outcome has traditionally been considered uncertain. The fractures and soft tissue damages are usually caused by high energy trauma, and the surgeons often have to address other injuries which may influence the choice of treatment of the leg injury.