epithelialization over a scaffold of antibiotic-impregnated pmma beads: a salvage technique for open tibial fractures with bone and soft tissue loss when all else fails

the management of soft tissue defects in tibial fractures is essential for limb preservation. current techniques are not without complications and may lead to poor functional outcomes. a salvage method is described using three illustrative cases whereby a combination of flaps and antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads are employed to fill the bony defect, fight the infection, and provide a surface for epithelial regeneration and secondary wound closure. this was performed after the partial failure of all other options. all patients were fully ambulatory with no clinical, radiographic or laboratory sign of infection at their most recent follow-up. although our findings are encouraging, this is the first report of epithelialization of the skin on a polymethylmethacrylate scaffold. further studies investigating the use of this technique are warranted.