[Therapy and prognosis of severe soft tissue injuries in children].

In consequence of "run-over" road accidents of children there has been a marked increase in severe soft tissue injuries. --The prophylaxis of bacterial contamination, the immediate reduction of compound fractures as well as the consequent debridement of devitalized soft tissue are shown to be essential components of the acute traumatic wound care. Primary closure of the wound must not be forced. The definite procedure includes reconstruction of vessels, nerves and last but not least osteosynthesis of fractures. Special attention is given to the fixateur externe, which is getting increasingly important in childhood injuries. The follow-up results of 17 multiple injured children with 3rd-degree open fractures and/or severe soft tissue injuries demonstrate that in childhood the results are generally better than in grown-up patients with corresponding injuries. 80% of the children showed very good results. No osteomyelitis was observed.