To evaluate the efficacy of indigenously developed negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in orthopaedic wound management

Abstract

Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in its present form was first described by Fleischmann et al. 1 in 1993. In Orthopaedics it has gained popularity in past 2 decades for management of acute open fractures, pressure sores as well as chronic wounds associated with osteomyelitis2. It involves the controlled application of sub atmospheric pressure to a local wound environment, using a sealed wound dressing connected to a vacuum pump. In our institute, we provided NPWT using locally available materials to manage Orthopaedic wounds. This present study evaluates the efficacy of NPWT. Aims and Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of indigenously developed negative pressure wound therapy. Methodology: In Our study we included 15 patients in the age group of 10 to 69 years to evaluate the efficacy of indigenously developed NPWT this is 6 months prospective study. Result Granulation Tissue: About 80 percent wounds were granulated till 6 week.At 3 months 15 (100%) wounds were healed. Conclusion: Indigenously negative pressure wound therapy has a safe and effective method of wound coverage. It decreases the bacterial load and promote the neovascularization. Further long term controlled studies are needed which would help in providing affordable and effective wound management.