Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Open Fractures of the Tibia

The soft tissue envelope is crucial for proper healing in open tibia fractures. Fasciocutaneous flaps are effective in providing soft tissue coverage in open fractures with severe bone exposure, allowing for healing of the fracture and prevention of infection. Optimal flap selection and timing for definitive soft tissue coverage are controversial. With recent technological advances and surgical technique refinements, the options for flap selection have increased, with greater reliability of complex limb reconstruction procedures. Depending on the injury needs and patient characteristics, different levels of flap complexity can be used to achieve favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. It is important to keep updated on the newly available technologies and to be aware of the existing surgical options to ensure the best patient care. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.