Lower limb preservation after severe degloving injury: a case report

Abstract

Background

Degloving injuries to the lower extremities are relatively rare. We herein report a case of 35-year-old male patient, who sustained a mangled degloving injury to the left lower extremity after a car accident. Despite the severity of the injury, we opted for limb salvage.

Methods

The patient presented with a large soft-tissue defect in the anterior compartment of the calf with neurovascular injury. The bones were intact. Reconstructive surgery involves repeated radical debridement, revascularisation, negative-pressure wound therapy, and plastic surgery. Treatment was complex and carried out in collaboration with orthopaedic, plastic, and vascular surgeons.

Results and conclusions

Five years after surgery, the patient was able to fully bear weight on the affected extremity and experience mild pain and chronic fibular nerve palsy. The outcomes were satisfactory.