Surgical Care of the Traumatized Lower Extremity | Journal CME Article-Journal CME Article: Surgical Care of the Traumatized Lower Extremity ((Video 1 of 3)

Journal CME Article: Surgical Care of the Traumatized Lower Extremity ((Video 1 of 3)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video explains the three-vessel view debridement technique for severe open lower-extremity fractures. Because infection and nonunion are common, the goal is aggressive removal of all contamination and devitalized tissue, ideally within 12 hours. Using an orthoplastic approach, surgeons extend the wound for full exposure of the anterior, posterior tibial, and peroneal vessels, protect key structures, and deliver the bone ends through the wound for inspection, canal debridement, and irrigation. A case example shows temporary fixation, antibiotic spacer placement, wound vac use, and later definitive fixation with free flap reconstruction.

Keywords

three-vessel view

debridement technique

open lower-extremity fractures

orthoplastic approach

free flap reconstruction