Description
This presentation features Dr. Ed Fitzgerald, an ortho plastic consultant from King's major trauma center. He discusses clinical applications for managing high energy injuries, specifically focusing on the prevention of nonunion in open fractures. Dr. Fitzgerald explains the risk factors for nonunion, including age, smoking, and fracture patterns. He discusses the concept of anatomical versus physiological bone gaps, emphasizing the necessity to address these gaps to ensure proper healing. The presentation delves into the importance of periosteum in fracture healing and advocates for the use of periosteal flaps in treating nonunion cases. In detailing various case studies, Dr. Fitzgerald highlights the benefits of utilizing periosteal flaps, noting a high success rate in achieving bone union among patients with complex, high-risk injuries. He concludes by underscoring the need for a better understanding of patient risk factors for nonunion and the significance of innovative surgical techniques in orthopedics.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-240833