External fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of lower limb fracture complicated with large-scale skin avulsion in children

Objective To explore the effects of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in thc treatment of lower limb fracture complicated with large-scale skin avulsion in children. Methods Eight patients with lower limb fracture and complicated with large-scale skin avulsion were enrolled in this study. The fractures were fixed using external fixators; then, the autogenous mesh grafts which were made from avulsed skin were planted on the wounds. The VSD was applied on the patients. A -200 ～-300 kPa pressure was exerted to the wound, and the VSD was used for 7 days. Results Patients were followed up for 6-12 months. No complication like bone and soft tissue infections was noted on all cases. The bone fractures were firmly fixed, and skin grafts survived in 7 cases. Conclusions The external fixation combined with VSD is simple, minimally invasion and effective in the treatment of lower limb fracture complicated with large-scale skin avulsion in children. Key words: External fixators;  Child;  Fractures, bone