The Continued Impact of Godina's Principles: Outcomes of Flap Coverage as a Function of Time After Definitive Fixation of Open Lower Extremity Fractures

Background: The study aims to investigate the zone of injury for major vessels after high-velocity traumas, as it is unclear whether avoiding vascular structures is necessary during microvascular anastomosis or how long it takes for them to be used again. Methods: This study uses Doppler ultrasonography and a rat model to evaluate the histopathological changes and flow velocity of major vessels in the zone of injury after high-velocity trauma with closed femoral bone fracture. Osteosynthesis was performed using an intramedullary wire. Samples were collected from day 3 and week 3. The unaffected contralateral side is used as control. Results: Results from arterial and venous flow assessments showed no evidence of ischemia in the extremities. Both arteries and veins were patent in both intervals and on the control side. The evaluation of the vessels showed arterial injury with a slightly reduced arterial flow on Day 3 and Week 3. The venous flow was slightly reduced on Day 3 but not on Week 3. Statistically, arterial endothelial injury was higher on day 3 than on week 3 (p = 0.006). Media inflammation was also higher on day 3 (p = 0.06). Arterial endothelization distribution was higher in week 3 (p = 0.006). No significant differences were found in arterial media irregularity, necrosis, platelet aggregation, bleeding, and wall rupture. Venous samples showed no significant differences in any parameter (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-velocity trauma increases the risk of thrombosis in vessels. Intravascular repair can start on day 2 and continue till week 3 with significant endothelization. Although physiologic findings do not alter arterial or venous flow, histologic findings support vessel injuries leading to potential complications. Microsurgery should be considered out of the injury zone until adequate vessel healing is achieved.

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blunt Trauma Induced Closed Femoral Bone Fracture in a Rat Model: Are Vessels Safe to Use for Microsurgery? Further Insight into the Zone of Injury Concept

Basaran,

Datli,

Sagir

et al. 2024

The Godina Principle in the 21st Century: Free Flap Timing after Isolated Lower Extremity Trauma in a Retrospective National Cohort

Habarth-Morales,

Davis,

Rios-Diaz

et al. 2024

Background: The timing of free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma has been a controversial debate since Marko Godina’s original 72 hour recommendation. Recent advances in microsurgery warrant an evaluation of the optimal time to reconstruction. Methods: The Nationwide Readmission Database (2014-2019) was used to identify patients undergoing free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma. Risk-adjusted statistical methods were used to identify optimal time where risk of infectious and microsurgical complications increase and to quantify the risk associated with time delays. Results: One-thousand and thirty patients undergoing reconstruction were identified. The mean time to flap coverage was 24.3 days. Thirty-three percent were performed within 72 hours, 24% from 72 hours-10 days, 18% from 10-30 days, and 24% after 30 days. Flaps performed after 10 days were associated with increased risk of surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, and other wound complications, compared to those performed within 72 hours. There was no increased risk in the period of 72 hours to 10 days. Revision amputation and microsurgical complications were not increased after 10 days. The predicted optimal cutoff was 9.5 days for microsurgical complications and 14.5 days for infectious complications. Conclusions: Advances in microsurgery may be responsible for extending the time in which definitive soft tissue coverage is required for wounds resulting from lower extremity trauma. Although it appears the original 72-hour time window can be safely extended, efforts should be made to refer patients to specialty limb salvage centers in a timely fashion.

Investigating the Association between Preflap Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy and Surgical Outcomes in Extremity Free Flap Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Rocks,

Wu,

Comunale

et al. 2024

Background: While prior studies have recommended immediate flap coverage within 72 hours of injury for soft tissue reconstruction for traumatic extremity injuries, recent evidence in the setting of advanced wound care techniques de-emphasizes the need for immediate coverage. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been an essential tool for extending the time to definitive soft tissue coverage. This study sought to elucidate the impact of preoperative NPWT use on the success of microsurgical reconstruction. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the following databases from their inception up to February 2023: PubMed, OVID Databases (Embase and Cochrane Library), Web of Science, and Scopus. Of 301 identified articles, 161 were assessed and 24 were included. Cases were divided based on whether NPWT was used preoperatively or not. Timing to definitive coverage, injury details, and basic demographics were recorded. Rates of flap failure, infection, bone nonunion, reoperation, and complications were compared between groups. Results: A total of 1,027 patients and 1,047 flaps were included, of which 894 (85.39%) received pre-flap NPWT. The average time to definitive coverage for the NPWT and non-NPWT groups was 16 and 18 days, respectively. The NPWT group experienced lower postoperative complication rates than the non-NPWT group in all reported complications except for deep infections. Compared to the non-NPWT group, the NPWT group experienced lower rates of any flap failure (3.69% vs. 9.80%) and partial flap failure (2.24% vs. 6.54%). Conclusions: Preoperative NPWT was associated with reduced postoperative complications, most importantly flap failure rates. This merits further investigation into the decision-making process for traumatic extremity reconstruction. Future prospective studies adopting standardized protocols with longer follow-up are required to better understand the potentially beneficial role of preoperative NPWT use in soft tissue reconstruction.