Delayed Soft Tissue Coverage after Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Open Fractures of Lower Extremities / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the delayed soft tissue coverage after previous negative wound therapy in treating wounds associated with open lower extremity fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2007 and February 2011, delayed soft tissue coverage of open lower extremity fractures after previous use of a negative pressure vacuum device, were performed in 15 consecutive patients. Patients included 13 male and 2 female, and their mean age was 39.0 (7-65) years old. Information on the time from injury to definitive wound coverage, type of coverage, functional result, bone union, and complications such as infection were collected. RESULTS: The vacuum-assisted closure devices was applied for an average of 29.3 (9-50) days, and the mean time from injury to definitive wound was 36.1 (21-60) days. Skin graft coverage was performed in 5 cases, free flap in 8 cases, and local flap in 3 cases. The mean time to radiographic union was 5.2 (3-8) months and delayed union occurred in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Delayed soft tissue coverage after previous negative wound therapy was considered an alternative treatment method in open lower extremity fractures associated with severe concomitant injury.