Post Traumatic Leg, Knee and Ankle Reconstruction, Surgical Approach and Outcome in Plastic Surgery During Current War in Taiz
الملخص
Background: War-related lower extremity injuries post complex reconstructive challenges due to high-energy trauma, extensive soft tissue loss, and delayed presentation
Methods: This prospective descriptive study included 200 consecutive patients presenting with leg, knee, and ankle injuries requiring soft tissue reconstruction at Al-Thawra Hospital, Taiz, Yemen, over 19 months. A standardized orthoplastic protocol was followed, including meticulous debridement, early or delayed reconstruction using skin grafts, local fasciocutaneous, or muscle flaps. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, defect characteristics, reconstructive modality, complications, and outcomes were recorded.
Results: Most patients were male (93.5%), with high-velocity projectile injuries being predominant (61.5%). Reconstruction was performed with split-thickness skin grafts in 54%, flaps in 40%, and primary closure in 6% of cases. Early reconstruction (<72h) was associated with significantly shorter hospital stay and lower osteomyelitis rates (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Timely orthoplastic reconstruction, guided by defect characteristics and resource availability, yields favorable outcomes in conflict-related lower limb trauma. Early intervention reduces complications and hospitalization, emphasizing the importance of integrated multidisciplinary care in resource-limited settings.
