Abstract
Improve the quality of care mine-explosive wounds and preventing infection in mine blast injury
We have treated 19 patients affected by MEI during Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in Ukraine. The patients had been received by our department within 5–28 days after the injury. All patients were comprehensively examined (general surgeon, neurosurgeon, thoracic surgeon, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, lab tests). 14/19 patients had an open fractures (10 of those 14 had a soft tissue defects). All patients with open fractures underwent secondary surgical treatment (radical debridement, irrigation, ultrasonic cavitation, fracture stabilization by external fixation). The patients with soft tissue defects underwent variety of plastic surgery. After soft tissues healing a plate or IM nail was installed.
Evaluation of results was based on X-ray monitoring and the lower limb function assessment. 16 patients had full fracture consolidation and good function, 3 patients had slow consolidation and limitation of movement.
Analysis of treatment showed that adherence to radical debridement and thorough soft tissue management led to significant reducing of the incidence of infectious complications in combat related fractures.
