Preservation of detached fragments in open fractures of the limbs.

In open limb fractures, loss of bone fragments of considerable size, including portions of the joint surface, is a frequent finding. Although the authors routinely use common surgical methods of reconstruction, in this paper they present a method for preserving these fragments by storage in the abdominal wall, and using them for autografting once healing of the soft tissues in the site of fracture has occurred. This method, illustrated by an analysis of 3 cases, appears to be simple and effective and, when used in selected cases, may provide a solution for the treatment of severe post-traumatic loss of bone.