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Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2006; 14(4): 248-253
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-942331
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

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

N. Arcand1 , C. Born1 , J. Bliss1 , J. Rey1 , A. Patel1
  • 1RI Hospital/Brown University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Providence, RI, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 January 2007 (online)

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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.

Key words

NPWT - wound VAC - basic science - history

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Nicole Arcand

Department of Orthopaedics · RI Hospital/Brown University School of Medicine

2 Dudley Street

Providence, RI 02905

USA

Phone: +1/4 01/8 29 17 50

Fax: +1/4 01/4 44 61 82

Email: narcand@yahoo.com

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