Implants and Late Reconstruction

Description

The video features Will Eardley discussing the late reconstruction elements of care in orthoplastics surgery, focusing on the transition from external to internal fixation, and addressing the crucial issues of contamination and infection in the context of trauma care. Eardley emphasizes the challenges of managing wounds in a conflict setting, particularly the risks of infection and complications related to soft tissue and bone healing. He stresses the importance of having a comprehensive treatment plan that includes prophylactic measures against infection and the need for thorough understanding of nosocomial infection rates in different environments.



Eardley highlights the necessity of selecting appropriate fixation devices based on wound conditions and the importance of skin integrity for successful bone union. Throughout the presentation, he underscores the significance of planning for potential complications and having alternative strategies in place. He introduces literature on sequential external fixation and internal fixation, discussing their outcomes and relevant evidence. Furthermore, he discusses the need for meticulous consideration of patient factors such as infection status, the nature of injuries, and overall health when deciding on surgical approaches.



The session also critiques existing literature on the subject, noting its heterogeneity and the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions. Overall, Eardley advocates for thoughtful decision-making in trauma surgery, prioritizing infection management, patient recovery protocols, and the need for adaptive strategies in surgical practices.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251033

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