Three-vessel view debridement of the open tibial fracture: a surgical technique

Abstract

Adequate debridement of an open fracture is a key component of successful management. Despite having set debridement principles, there is no structured technique available in the literature to guide the surgeon in achieving this. We therefore present a technical note detailing the structured approach to the debridement of any open tibial fracture. Our unit has developed a novel stepwise technique termed locally as the “three-vessel view”. Identifying all three primary vessels of the leg facilitates confirmation of inspection of all lower limb compartments thus minimising the risk of missed devitalised tissue or neglected areas of contamination and the potential for consequent disastrous outcomes as a result of inadequate exposure.