Prospective study on vacuum assisted closure therapy in treatment of soft tissue injuries associated with Gustilo Anderson compound Grade IIIB fractures

BACK GROUND: The Primary objective of this prospective study is to study the rate of infection, number of days required for formation of healthy granulation tissue, healing of soft tissue injury and number of days of hospital stay and cost effectiveness associated with Gustilo Anderson compound grade IIIb fractures treated by Vacuum Assisted closure therapy. METHODS: Seventeen patients with Type IIIb open fractures were included in this study..All these patients had undergone wound debridement and fracture fixation. This wss followed by application of Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) The infection rate analysed by clinical findings and investigations. RESULTS: The infection rate was low when compared to literature study of conventional dressings. The primary wound coverage can be done earlier wound healing was also faster in patients. CONCLUSION: This is a simple and low cost method for treating soft tissue injury associated with severe open fractures. It can be done even in peripheral hospitals with low resources