Is there evidence to support one type of flap coverage over another (e.g., muscle over fasciocutaneous flap) after open tibial fractures?

Authors: Konstantinos Malizos, Martin McNally, Efstratios Athanaselis, James Chan

RECOMMENDATION: Different types of flap coverage after open tibial fractures have essentially equivalent and comparable outcomes in terms of flap survival, bone healing, stress fracture, infection, chronic osteomyelitis and donor site morbidity. Local flaps should be considered in low energy trauma, when available. The type of flap should be tailored based on the extent and the depth of the soft tissue defect and the location of the fracture. In high energy fractures of the tibia, muscle flaps may off er a more reliable reconstruction with fewer flap failures and fewer reoperation rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 95%, Disagree: 5%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)

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