Background: Soft tissue defects in the lower third of the leg present significant challenges for surgeons. Despite various options available for soft tissue coverage, selecting the most suitable option is limited by potential complications. In response to this challenge, some surgeons have sought to develop algorithms to guide decision-making in the management of lower leg trauma.
Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study included 53 patients with traumatic injuries to the lower third leg and ankle regions. Each patient underwent a management plan based on our proposed algorithm, which incorporated the utilization of negative pressure wound therapy and dermal substitutes. Outcomes were assessed in terms of the ability to achieve complete coverage, complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and return to normal daily activity.
Results: The proposed algorithm proved to be comprehensive and easily applicable, achieving complete coverage in 98.1% of cases. The mean duration for definitive coverage was 21.89 ± 12.84 days, and the majority of cases (81.1%) returned to normal daily activity within a mean duration of 60.69 ± 56.7 days. The use of dermal substitutes resulted in achieving coverage in wounds with exposed structures, with favorable outcomes in cases with a mean size of 11.39 ± 10.05 cm².
Conclusions: Our algorithm provides a safe and effective approach to manage traumatic defects of the lower third leg and ankle, considering the patient's general condition and the complexity of the wound. Proper utilization of dermal substitutes and negative pressure wound therapy is emphasized in the algorithm.
Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.