APPLICATION OF VACUUM SEALING DRAINAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF POST-OPERATIVE INFECTION OF CALCANEAL FRACTURES

Objective To investigate the effect of using a vacuum sealing drainage(VSD) for post-operative infection of calcaneal fractures. Methods Fifteen patients with post-operative infection due to calcaneal fractures were treated with VSD after a thorough debridement.The wound surface was covered by VSD dressings and negative pressure drainage was offered continuously,seven to 10 days later,the VSD was removed or changed,and then the wound was closed or change of dressings. Results After one debridement and using VSD,12 cases showed lessen edema of raw surface and appeared healthy granulation tissue;two cases were treated with VSD for 14 days,the VSD was changed once,and the wound then repaired;one case was treated by a transfer of skin flap to cover the wound after 14-day VSD therapy.All the wound of patients in this study healed after 15-24-day treatment. Conclusion VSD technique can thoroughly get rid of discharge and necrotic tissues from the wound,and stimulate the growth of granulation,which is of favourable efficacy in the treatment of post-operative infection due to calcaneal fractures.