Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and its Application to Orthopaedics. Part I: Literature Review

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a technique that converts an open wound into a controlled closed environment by applying intermittent or continuous sub-atmospheric pressure to a specialized wound dressing in order to stimulate healing. The available literature which has set the standard for the care of acute and chronic orthopaedic wounds using this technique, especially for the lower extremities, is reviewed. Original studies by Morykwas and Argenta are discussed as well as the current basic science and clinical studies related to care for the orthopaedic patient. Finally, complications reported in the literature are addressed.

NPWT - wound VAC - basic science - history

References

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