Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40881017›Full record

ArticleWorld journal of clinical cases2025

Efficacy of free-flap-transfer and plate-fixation for Gustilo IIIB fractures in type II diabetic patients: A retrospective study.

Qi Bao, Sun-Wen Pan, Xiao-Kang Gong, Bo Wang, Zhi-Nan Wei, Yong-Qing Xu, Yue-Liang Zhu, Zhen Shi

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Article in World journal of clinical cases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

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8 authors.

Qi BaoDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
Sun-Wen PanDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
Xiao-Kang GongDepartment of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Tianmushan Hospital, Hangzhou 310063, Zhejiang Province, China.
Bo WangDepartment of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China.
Zhi-Nan WeiSchool of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang Province, China.
Yong-Qing XuDepartment of Orthopedics, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China.
Yue-Liang ZhuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
Zhen ShiDepartment of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China. shizhenxy@yeah.net.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundManaging Gustilo type IIIB fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes is challenging due to delayed healing and elevated complication risks. This retrospective study highlights the successful use of free-flap transfer combined with plate fixation, contributing insights into effective management strategies for these complex cases.

aimTo evaluate free-flap transfer with plate fixation for managing Gustilo IIIB fractures in diabetic patients, focusing on outcomes.

methodsA retrospective analysis of six cases was conducted with a minimum follow-up period of three years. Patients underwent free-flap transfer and plate fixation for fracture management. Outcomes assessed included bone union, flap viability, and complications requiring intervention or plate removal. The follow-up period ranged from three to four years. Persistent infections beneath the flap developed in two patients, necessitating daily wound care.

resultsBone healing occurred within 17 to 34 months, with plate removal required in three patients after fracture consolidation. Traumatic osteomyelitis was observed in at least one patient. Despite challenges such as sinus formation and variations in flap pedicle anatomy, successful bone union and flap viability were achieved in all cases. Free-flap transfer combined with plate fixation shows promise for treating Gustilo type IIIB fractures in patients with diabetes. While infection and the need for plate removal surgeries were observed, consistent success in bone healing and flap viability highlights the potential of this approach.

conclusionFree-flap transfer with plate fixation effectively manages Gustilo IIIB fractures in diabetics, achieving bone/flap healing despite infection risks. Careful patient selection and further validation are critical.

Indexed as

Free flapGustilo IIIB fracturesPlate fixationSoft tissue defectType II diabetes

Identifiers

PMID40881017
PMCPMC12362479

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