Closing fasciotomy wounds using plastic bands: an alternative simple and cheap method.

Fasciotomy incisions are essential to relieve pressure on the neurovascular structures in the limbs. However, closing such wounds often becomes a challenge to the surgeon. The aim of this study is to describe a simple and cheap method of closing these wounds. Plastic bands were used to gradually close fasciotomy wounds in five patients. All fasciotomy wounds in the five patients closed successfully within 4-12 days. Only two patients developed minimal complications in the form of minor wound infection and a hypertrophic scar. We conclude that the plastic band method used here is cheaper and simpler in comparison to similar techniques using the same device.