To evaluate the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to augment healing of surgical incisions and hematomas after high-energy trauma.
This study is a prospective randomized evaluation of NPWT in trauma patients, randomizing patients with draining hematomas to either a pressure dressing (group A) or a VAC (group B). Additionally, patients with calcaneus, pilon, and high-energy tibial plateau fractures were randomized to either a standard postoperative dressing or a VAC over the sutures.
Discussion: NPWT has been used on many complex traumatic wounds. Potential mechanisms of action include angiogenesis, increased blood flow, and decreased interstitial fluid. This ongoing randomized study has demonstrated decreased drainage and improved wound healing following both hematomas and severe fractures.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
To evaluate the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to augment healing of surgical incisions and hematomas after high-energy trauma.
This study is a prospective randomized evaluation of NPWT in trauma patients, randomizing patients with draining hematomas to either a pressure dressing (group A) or a VAC (group B). Additionally, patients with calcaneus, pilon, and high-energy tibial plateau fractures were randomized to either a standard postoperative dressing or a VAC over the sutures.
Discussion: NPWT has been used on many complex traumatic wounds. Potential mechanisms of action include angiogenesis, increased blood flow, and decreased interstitial fluid. This ongoing randomized study has demonstrated decreased drainage and improved wound healing following both hematomas and severe fractures.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.