Effect of negative pressure wound therapy and external fixation in the treatment of femur fracture complicated by skin avulsion: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to explore the clinical effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and external fixation in the treatment of femur fracture complicated by skin avulsion.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Seven cases of comminuted fracture of the femur caused by traffic accidents and complicated by skin avulsion were retrospectively analyzed. After stabilization and treatment of life-threatening injuries, these 7 patients underwent wound debridement, external fixation of the fracture, and coverage of the wound with NPWT. Secondarily, the wounds were covered by skin-grafting. Patients were followed for an average of 12 months.

RESULTS

After infection prophylaxis had been implemented and healthy granulation tissue had developed, each patient underwent secondary suture, freeskin grafting, or skin flap transfer. No wound had purulent drainage upon removal of the NPWT 4 to 7 days after placement. Secondary skin grafting was accomplished successfully in all 7 patients. Patients were followed for 6 to 15 months, and all wounds were well healed with no case of nonunion, osteomyelitis, or deformity at the site of union.

CONCLUSION

External fixation with NPWT is effective treatment for femur fracture complicated by skin avulsion. The rate of infection is low and hospital stay is relatively short.