VAC (Vacuum assisted closure) Therapy with k wire fixation as management protocol in complex compound foot fractures with soft tissue defects

Abstract

Many patients who sustain high energy compound fractures of lower extremities are riddled with severe contamination of wound with soft tissue loss. This results in deep infections, non unions and in few cases, amputations. We present a case series of 10 cases with compound fractures of foot with severe degloving injury and wound contamination. Treatment entailed through debridement and was with 5 litres of saline along with betadine. Fractures were fixed with K wires and wound was covered with primary VAC application. Male to female ratio was 8:2. Most of the cases were road traffic accidents. The average number of VACs applied were 2.3. 80% cases underwent split skin graft.We conclude that VAC with K wire fixation is an effective and safe treatment in compound fractures of foot with degloving injuries.