Masquelet technique combined with microsurgical technique for treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures: a retrospective single-center cohort study

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the clinical effects of the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique for treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures. METHODS: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 39.3 ± 7.9 years (range, 21–43 years) with Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures were treated by the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique from May 2013 to January 2017. The mean length of the bone defect was 6.9 ±2.2 cm (range, 5.2–10.7 cm). The mean area of the wound defect was 129.3 ± 41.4 cm(2) (range, 83.7–180 cm(2)). Complications and fracture healing were recorded. At the last follow-up, the functional outcome was measured using the Iowa ankle score. RESULTS: All 15 patients achieved bone healing, and the median healing time was about 6.1 months (range, 5–8 months). No complications such as infection or nonunion occurred. At the last follow-up, the median Iowa ankle score was 82 (range, 68–88). The rate of an excellent and good Iowa ankle score was 86.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the Masquelet technique combined with a microsurgical technique is an effective strategy for the treatment of Gustilo IIIC open distal tibial fractures.