An overview of negative pressure wound therapy for the lower extremity.

Since its introduction into the market, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also known as topical negative pressure, has become an important adjuvant therapy for the treatment of many types of wounds. Surgeons and physicians of all subspecialties have adopted NPWT into their practices. NPWT has become a mainstay in the management of lower extremity soft tissue pathology, especially in patients with traumatic, diabetic, postsurgical, and peripheral vascular disease-associated wounds. This article reviews the background, currently understood mechanisms of action, applications, contraindications, reported complications, advantages, criticisms, and techniques in the lower extremity.