PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF THE TREATMENT OF DIAPHYSEAL GUNSHOT FRACTURES OF LONG BONES OF EXTREMITIES

Abstract

Due to the military conflict in Ukraine, the problem of treating gunshot fractures has become acute, which requires an urgent solution. Objective. On the basis of own experience, to determine the primary problems in the treatment of gunshot diaphyseal fractures of the long bones of the limbs and evaluate the preliminary results. Methods. The treatment process and its results were analyzed in 128 victims with gunshot fractures of long limb bones for the period 08.2022–08.2023. Classical methods of clinical, X-ray and laboratory investigations were used. The assessment was carried out according to the AO classification, that was supplemented with new options for tangent and perforated bone injuries, as well as the volume of destruction of adjacent soft tissues. Wounds of all the patinets were treated using vacuum aspiration, the fragments were fixed with external devices manufactured by Biomet, Stryker, ТОВ «Ейч Ві Орто», ОРТОПАК. Results. The analysis showed that 64 (50 %) of the wounded had a need to take additional measures to preserve or improve the position of the fragments: improvement of the geometry of the external apparatus, replacement of the apparatus with a more perfected one, with a plate or intramedular osteosynthesis; replacement of the apparatus with a plaster bandage or orthosis. Conclusions. Based on the study, it can be argued, that most gunshot diaphyseal fractures of long bones are multifragmental and accompanied with destruction of predominantly peripherally located soft tissues. At the same time, the periosteum with a layer of adjacent muscles for the most part retains integrity, viability and connection with the surface of the fragments. The basic and rational method of fixation of fragments for diaphysical gunshot fractures it is necessary to consider external osteosynthesis with schanz-screws devices. According to our preliminary data, the use of external fixator treatment led to fracture healing in 84% of patients with gunshot hip fracture, 56 % — tibia fracture, 59 % — humerus fracture, and 44 % — forearm fractures.