Clinical experience of the use of Integra in combination with negative pressure wound therapy: an alternative method for the management of wounds with exposed bone or tendon

Abstract

The use of Integra has attracted great interest in the treatment of wounds with exposed bone or tendon, which may lead to associated morbidities. However, the use of Integra alone results in poor wound outcomes. We conducted a randomized clinical study to evaluate the combined effects of Integra and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Thirty-six patients with wounds with exposed bone or tendons were treated with Integra alone and with a combination of Integra and NPWT (n = 18 respectively). Negative pressure (125 mm Hg) was applied intermittently till Integra was revascularized. The take rate of Integra and time taken from Integra coverage to skin transplantation was recorded for each case. The average take rate of Integra in the conventional treatment group (Integra with partial packing compression dressings) was lower than that for the new treatment group (Integra with NPWT) (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 6.44–0.20). The mean time period from Integra coverage to skin transplantation was longer for the conventional treatment group than for the new treatment group (p < 0.001, 95% CI: −13.18 to −11.24). The application of NPWT could potentially increase the take rate of Integra and shorten the duration of hospital stay. The use of Integra with NPWT could be a treatment option for wounds with exposed bone or tendon.