ORTHOPLASTIC SURGERY
Orthoplastic Surgery and Reconstruction of Substance Loss in Orthopedic Infections
Orthoplastics is a surgical discipline that combines expertise in orthopedics and plastic surgery to treat the most complex orthopedic complications and infections, which often involve loss of soft tissue substance. In these situations, restoring anatomical and functional integrity requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of advanced tissue reconstruction techniques.
What is Orthoplastics?
Orthoplastics is an integrated surgical strategy aimed at treating complex orthopedic injuries such as open fractures, bone infections (osteomyelitis), and tissue substance loss. This technique is characterized by the combined use of orthopedic procedures and microvascular reconstructions with skin, muscle, or bone flaps.
When is Reconstruction Necessary in Orthopedic Complications?
Orthopedic complications involving significant tissue loss, such as the aftermath of severe trauma or post-surgical complications, require targeted tissue reconstruction. The goal is to restore coverage of deep tissues, protect exposed structures, and ensure optimal healing, avoiding complications such as infections and delayed bone consolidation.
Orthoplastic Reconstruction Techniques
Orthoplastics uses various surgical techniques to treat substance loss, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Among the most common techniques are:
Advantages of Orthoplastics in Reconstruction
The orthoplastic approach offers numerous advantages in the treatment of complex orthopedic complications:
Simultaneous repair of bone and tissue defects.
Improved vascularization of the injured area, accelerating healing processes.
Protection of deep structures from further damage and infections.
Restoration of functionality and aesthetics of the affected limb.
Why Consult an Orthoplastic Surgeon?
The treatment of complex orthopedic complications requires a team experienced in orthoplastics, capable of planning a personalized surgical strategy for each patient. A multidisciplinary approach, involving orthopedic and plastic surgeons, is essential to achieve the best possible results in terms of healing and the patient's quality of life.
Conclusion
Orthoplastics represents an innovative and highly effective surgical approach for the reconstruction of substance loss in orthopedic complications and infections. Thanks to the combination of orthopedic expertise and plastic surgery techniques, it is possible to restore tissue integrity and limb functionality, significantly improving clinical outcomes and the patient's quality of life.
Muscle Flaps: Used to cover and protect exposed bones or areas at risk of infection. Muscle flaps are particularly suitable for treating long-standing open fractures or osteomyelitis. Cutaneous and Musculocutaneous Flaps: Used to reconstruct large tissue losses, restoring both skin coverage and the vascular and muscular function of the injured area. Bone Transfers: In cases of significant bone deficits, osteomyocutaneous flaps or microvascular bone transfer techniques can be used to restore skeletal continuity.