Outcome analysis of vacuum assisted closure application in open fractures of long bones

Background: We performed a prospective analysis to compare the efficacy of the vacuum assisted closure (VAC therapy) and conventional cotton gauze dressing of wounds. Methods: The study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2016 on patients admitted from emergency department or presenting in the outpatient department of the hospital. Necrotic tissues were debrided before applying VAC therapy. Dressings were changed every 3 or 4 days. For standard wound therapy, debridement followed by daily dressings was done. All patients were reconstructed with SSG/FLAP coverage after the granulation tissue was sufficient. Two groups of 10 each compared prospectively. Data were collected for age, sex, time needed for sufficient granulation tissue for coverage, length of hospital stay, no of debridements for VAC application and conventional gauze dressings. Results: Time needed to have a good granulation tissue sufficient for coverage, length of stay in hospital, and no of debridements were significantly less in VAC group. No major complication occurred that was directly attributable to treatment. Conclusions: Vacuum assisted wound therapy was found to facilitate the rapid formation of healthy granulation tissue on open musculoskeletal injuries, shortens hospital stay and minimize secondary soft tissue defect coverage procedures.