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Histological findings for muscle viability did not correlate with surgeons’ initial impressions
Regarding muscle viability during debridement, histological findings did not correlate with surgeons’ assessment of the muscle as healthy, borderline or dead using muscle color, consistency, contractility and capacity to bleed, according to results.
Researchers prospectively collected 36 biopsies from 20 patients who underwent debridement for open fracture, compartment syndrome, infection or crush injury. Surgeons provided their overall impression of the biopsies as healthy, borderline or dead by evaluating muscle color, consistency, contractility and capacity to bleed.
Kenneth J. Koval
Overall, results showed surgeons’ impressions identified dead muscle in 25 cases, borderline in 10 cases and healthy in one case. According to pathological analysis, 60% of the 35 muscles identified as dead or borderline were normal muscle or had mild interstitial inflammation. Although muscle color and contractility was found to have an association with surgeon impression, researchers found muscle consistency and capacity to bleed was not associated with surgeons’ overall impressions. Histopathologic impression was not significant associated with muscle color, contractility, consistency, capacity to bleed and surgeon impression, according to results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.