Abstract
Objective:Successful closure is a primary step of treatment in open fracture wounds. Delayed healing or complications can lead to increased treatment duration, costs and disability rates. The aim of this study was to compare Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and conventional wound dressings in patients with open fracture wounds.Methods:In a prospective randomized clinical trial study, 90 patients with open fractures that were referred for treatment were enrolled between February 2013 to March 2015. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I underwent NPWT and group II underwent conventional wound dressing. Then patients were followed up for one month. Within the one month, the number of dressing change varied based on the extent of the wound. Duration of wound healing, presence of infection and the number of hospitalization days in these patients were recorded and compared at the end of the study between the two groups. Questionnaires and check lists were used to collect data. Analysis was done with SPSS 20, paired sample T-test, and chi-square tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.Results:There was a significant difference between the rate of wound healing in the group one or NPWT group and group II (conventional wound dressings) P<0.05. There was no significant difference between two groups in incidence of infection (P=0.6).Conclusion:Using NPWT expedites the healing process of extremity wounds. It is more economical and can be considered as a substitute for the treatment of extremity wounds.
Highlights
When the wound meets the fracture hematoma, it is considered an open fracture
There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of demographic data (P=0.071) Classification type was assessed for all participant patients by using GustiloAnderson classification system
The duration of wound healing, the number of hospitalization days and incidence of infection was registered for both groups, and compared
Summary
When the wound meets the fracture hematoma, it is considered an open fracture. Open fracture often results from high energy trauma. Wound management and prevention of infection is a basic step in treatment of open fractures. And suitable treatment of open fractures is extremely important as open fractures are associated with increased risk of infection and complications during treatment.[1,2]. For assessment and treatment of open fractures in extremities, various factors should be considered such as patient’s condition, fracture type or open fracture classification, antibiotic treatment, wound debridement, fracture fixation, size and site of the wound, the extent of muscle injury. Open fractures are classified according to Gustilo-Anderson classification system.[3]
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