Use of negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open cell foam for lower extremity trauma.

The use of negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open cell foam (NPWT/ROCF) as delivered by V.A.C.(R) Therapy (KCI, San Antonio, TX) has been a valuable adjunct in the treatment of complex lower-extremity injuries. The use of NPWT/ROCF for lower extremity traumatic wounds is based on mechanical effects on the surrounding tissues, biological effects at the cellular level, and simplification of wound care for nursing personnel. For patients with compartment syndrome, risk of secondary infection and need for skin grafting to achieve soft-tissue coverage may theoretically be reduced. For traumatic wounds, dressing care may be simplified and healing encouraged. For surgical incisions, risk of secondary wound dehiscence and infection may be lowered.