Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for deep wound infection after posterior thoracic and lumbar internal fixation

Objective: To investigate the value of vacuum sealing drainage( VSD) for deep wound infection after thoracic and lumbar posterior internal fixation. Methods: Fourteen cases of deep wound infection after thoracic and lumbar instrumentation were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were treated with antibiotic,debridement and vacuum sealing drainage( VSD). Results: All the patients were treated by VSD for seven to forty days. There were no complications. The internal fixator could be remained in the wound infection. All the cases wound healed. Follow-up studies were performed ranging from 8 to 32 months. There was no recurrence of infection. Conclusion: For the patients with deep infections after thoracic and lumbar posterior internal fixation,vacuum sealing drainage can effectively control the infection and conducive to wound healing.