Staged Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Therapy for Complex Open Limb Fractures: Strategy Optimization and Research Progress

Ye Jiang; Wenhao Liu

doi:10.62051/ijphmr.v6n1.01

Authors

Ye Jiang
Wenhao Liu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijphmr.v6n1.01

Keywords:

Complex open fractures, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Staged treatment, Bone repair, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Complex open limb fractures represent a significant challenge in the field of trauma orthopedics, characterized by severe bone and soft tissue destruction caused by high-energy injuries, often accompanied by serious complications such as infection, nonunion, and functional impairment. Modern Western medicine treatment follows the damage control concept, establishing a therapeutic system centered on staged surgery, which has significantly improved limb salvage rates. However, limitations remain in controlling local inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and functional rehabilitation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory emphasizes holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation, with principles such as "simultaneous treatment of bone and soft tissue" and "promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis" providing unique perspectives for trauma repair. This article systematically explores the organic integration of Chinese and Western medicine treatment methods to form a staged integrated strategy spanning the acute, reconstruction, and rehabilitation phases. During the acute phase, TCM formulas for clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling blood, and resolving stasis can assist in controlling systemic inflammatory responses and creating conditions for surgery. During the reconstruction phase, kidney-tonifying, blood-activating, bone-knitting, and tendon-nourishing Chinese herbs synergize with modern microsurgical techniques to promote synchronous repair of bone and soft tissues. During the rehabilitation phase, TCM fumigation, Daoyin (guided exercise), and manual therapy play a dominant role in functional recovery. By reviewing existing clinical evidence and potential mechanisms of action, this article aims to construct a logical, practical clinical integration pathway to provide theoretical basis and practical references for improving the overall efficacy of complex open fractures, while also outlining key directions for future research.

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