Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Introduction: Main aim of the study was to evaluate the results of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients with open wounds in the foot and ankle region.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen (16) patients with degloving injuries arounf the foot and ankle admitted in VS general hospital were treated with negative pressure wound therapy. Amongst all the patients admitted with degloving injuries the mode of injury were the following like  acute trauma, due to a traffic accident, a fall, or a crush injury, and all had wounds with underlying tendon or bone exposure. All the degloving wounds were thoroughly debrided and irrigated before Negative pressure wound therapy was applied. Dressings were changed every 3 or 4 days and treatment was continued for 18.4 days on average (range, 11–29 days).

Results: Fifteen (15) cases out of 16 developed granulation tissue in their wounds after    treatment with negative pressure wound therapy. The sizes of degloving wounds reduced from 27 cm to 15 cm after NPWT. Amongst 15 cases were granulation tissue was formed in degloving wounds a skin graft was used to cover them and in one case. A free flap was needed to cover exposed bone and tendon in one case. No major complication occurred that was directly attributable to treatment. Amongst the patients who underwent skin grafting 2 patients developed scar contracture. 

Conclusion: Thus from the above obtained observations it is concluded that negative pressure wound therapy promotes granulation of the open degloving wounds, fastens the healing process and thus reduces the healing time and saves the patient from secondary reconstructive procedures.