Tibial Plafond Fracture Healing in Coral Reef Aorta - A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a calcifying stenotic disease of the distal aorta that can result in hypoperfusion and thromboembolic episodes of both internal organs and lower limbs. Only case reports of this extremely rare condition are described in the literature. Our report is the first article about fracture management and healing in this anomaly.

Case report: A 58-year-old woman with an alcohol abuse story presented to our emergency department after a fall from height. She reported a 43-C3 Gustilo I open leg fracture treated in an emergency with a damage control orthopedic approach. As an incidental finding, a CRA anomaly was found during an abdomen computer tomography scan. Considering the fracture pattern and the patient factors, hybrid external fixation was chosen as the definitive treatment. Complete bone healing and a good functional recovery 4 months after surgery were assessed.

Conclusion: External fixation and percutaneous techniques must be considered in complex articular fractures with vascular compromise. A minimally invasive approach with early motion and weight bearing allowed for a complete fracture healing without deficits or additional soft tissue damage.