Masquelet technique in military practice: specificities and future directions for combat-related bone defect reconstruction

• Published in: Military medical research Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Mathieu, Laurent, Mourtialon, Romain, Durand, Marjorie, de Rousiers, Arnaud, de l’Escalopier, Nicolas, Collombet, Jean-Marc
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 02.09.2022; BMC
• Subjects: Bone defect; Cement; Defects; Disease control; Emergency Medicine; Foreign bodies; Fractures; Gunshot wound; Induced membrane technique; Infections; Low resources; Masquelet technique; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Military; Review; Skin & tissue grafts; Stem cells; Surgeons; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Gunshot wound; Induced membrane technique; Bone defect; War surgery; Masquelet technique; Low resources; Military
• ISSN: 2054-9369; 2095-7467; 2054-9369
• DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00411-1

Because of its simplicity, reliability, and replicability, the Masquelet induced membrane technique (IMT) has become one of the preferred methods for critical bone defect reconstruction in extremities. Although it is now used worldwide, few studies have been published about IMT in military practice. Bone reconstruction is particularly challenging in this context of care due to extensive soft-tissue injury, early wound infection, and even delayed management in austere conditions. Based on our clinical expertise, recent research, and a literature analysis, this narrative review provides an overview of the IMT application to combat-related bone defects. It presents technical specificities and future developments aiming to optimize IMT outcomes, including for the management of massive multi-tissue defects or bone reconstruction performed in the field with limited resources.